Vital Records & Certificates in Hornell, New YorkSteuben County Clerk

Hornell’s tight-knit community often requires vital records for generational property transfers, enrollment at regional colleges like Alfred University and SUNY Alfred State, employment verification at local manufacturers, estate settlements for long-time families, and genealogical research tracing the area’s rich railroad and industrial heritage. The small-city atmosphere means documentation often spans multiple decades and family generations.

Residents of Hornell request birth certificates from the Steuben County Clerk office located at 3 E Pulteney Square in Bath, about 20 miles southeast of Hornell. Many local children were born at St. James Hospital (now Jones Memorial Hospital) or traveled to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for specialized care. The county maintains comprehensive records for the region’s stable population, with many families tracing their roots back several generations in the area. College students attending SUNY Alfred State’s Hornell programs frequently need certified copies for financial aid applications, while young adults require documentation for employment verification at local manufacturers and healthcare facilities throughout the Southern Tier region.

Couples in Hornell obtain marriage licenses from the Steuben County Clerk in Bath, then often celebrate at local venues like the Hornell Country Club, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, or intimate gatherings at Maple City Park. New York State requires a 24-hour waiting period after obtaining the license before the ceremony can take place. The area’s small-town charm attracts couples seeking traditional ceremonies, with many choosing historic downtown locations or scenic outdoor settings in the surrounding Finger Lakes region for their special day.

Death certificates for Hornell residents are processed by the Steuben County Clerk in Bath. Local funeral directors, including Dagon Funeral Home and Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, typically assist families with obtaining necessary copies. The area’s aging population and multi-generational families often require multiple certificates for insurance settlements, social security survivor benefits, and transferring property within close-knit family networks that have remained in the region for decades.

Divorce records for Steuben County residents are maintained at the County Courthouse in Bath. The rural nature of the county means many residents handle uncontested divorces through local attorneys familiar with property divisions involving family farms, small businesses, and generational real estate holdings. Certified copies are frequently needed for remarriage, social security benefit modifications, and updating property titles in this close-knit community.

The Steuben County Clerk office at 3 E Pulteney Square in Bath operates Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From Hornell, take Route 36 south for approximately 20 miles through scenic farmland to reach Bath. The historic courthouse building offers free street parking and a small municipal lot. The office accepts cash, checks payable to Steuben County Clerk, and major credit cards. Rural residents should call ahead during winter months to confirm the office is open due to potential weather-related closures. Processing typically takes 10-15 minutes for routine requests, making the trip efficient despite the rural distance.

From Hornell, take Route 36 south for 20 miles to Bath. The Steuben County Clerk is located at 3 E Pulteney Square in the historic courthouse building.