Hornsby Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Hornsby, Tennessee government websites.

Law Enforcement

Beyond the Hardeman County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate across the county to serve their local communities. The Bolivar Police Department, Whiteville Police Department, and Middleton Police Department each handle day-to-day law enforcement duties within their jurisdictions, from traffic enforcement to community policing and criminal investigations. When major crimes occur or regional initiatives require broader coordination, these agencies work alongside the Sheriff's Office to ensure public safety coverage throughout Hardeman County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hardeman County Jail in Bolivar is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within Hardeman County. Upon booking, detainees are photographed and fingerprinted, with their information entered into the system for official record-keeping. Family members and attorneys can access inmate lookup services online to find information about current detainees. Visitation at the facility follows strictly enforced rules, with specific hours and guidelines that all visitors must observe.

Arrest Records

The Hardeman County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, preserving details of each arrest, the charges filed, and information about the arresting officer. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them through the Sheriff's Office by following guidelines established under the Tennessee Public Records Act. A typical arrest record in Hardeman County includes the individual's personal information, specifics about the alleged offense, and documentation of how the arrest process concluded.

Court Records

The Hardeman County Courthouse in Bolivar is the judicial center for the county, handling cases that originate from communities throughout the area, including Hornsby. The facility houses the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over a broad range of civil and criminal matters. Those needing court records, case files, docket information, or hearing transcripts, can submit requests to the Hardeman County Circuit Court Clerk's office.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Hardeman County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registries. The Hardeman County Circuit Court and the Sheriff's Office maintain these records. Residents can run a background check through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The TBI offers an online portal for background checks, which includes data from Hardeman County. Criminal records are essential for legal proceedings, employment checks, and personal inquiries.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Hornsby are maintained by the Hardeman County Register of Deeds, which keeps a database of deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents covering the area, including the 38008 and 38044 ZIP codes. Residents can request copies of specific records or conduct online searches to learn about property ownership, transfers, and related public documents. The Hardeman Property Assessor's Office offers additional resources, providing property assessment data, tax information, and parcel details for homes and businesses throughout the community.

Vital Records

For vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses in Hornsby, individuals should contact the Hardeman County Office of Vital Records. This county-level department is responsible for maintaining and issuing official copies of these important documents. Whether you need to obtain a certified birth record for a child born in Hornsby or request a death certificate for a loved one, the Vital Records office can assist with the necessary paperwork and procedures.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Hornsby must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits from the Hornsby City Hall. This includes applications for general business licenses as well as specialized permits for activities like zoning, construction, and commercial operations. The City Clerk's office oversees the review and approval of these documents, so that local companies comply with municipal regulations.
Entrepreneurs and business owners can visit City Hall or access the city's website to access the necessary forms and guidance for navigating the licensing and permitting requirements in this Hardeman County community.

Economy & Demographics

The local economy of Hornsby is primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses. The Hornsby Grain & Feed Co. And the Hardeman County Farmers Market are two notable employers that contribute to the city's economic stability. The Hornsby Livestock Auction, held regularly at the Hardeman County Fairgrounds, is an important hub for the area's agricultural community. Beyond these key industries, the city also supports a variety of small businesses, ranging from local shops and restaurants to professional services.

Elections & Voter Records

Voters in Hornsby receive election services through the Hardeman County Election Commission, Suite 101, Bolivar, TN 38008, phone (731) 658-3541. The office administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections for residents throughout Hardeman County, handling voter registration, absentee voting, polling place assignments, and certification of results. Standard business hours run Monday through Friday, with extended hours during early voting periods before major elections.
Tennessee residents can register to vote online through the Tennessee Secretary of State's online voter registration system at ovr.govote.tn.gov, provided they have a valid Tennessee driver's license or state ID. New registrations must be received or postmarked at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. The state requires voters to present valid photo identification when voting in person, including Tennessee driver's licenses, U.S. Passports, military IDs, or Tennessee photo IDs issued for voting purposes. Residents who have moved within Hardeman County should update their registration to ensure they're assigned to the correct precinct. As a small incorporated town, Hornsby holds municipal elections for mayor and town board or aldermen positions, though the frequency and specific schedule should be verified with the Election Commission or town officials, as small Tennessee municipalities may hold elections every two or four years. The next municipal elections would likely occur in 2025 or 2026 depending on the town's election cycle. Municipal election dates, candidate filings, and local ballot measures are published by the Election Commission and posted at town hall and Hardeman County Courthouse. Residents can find their assigned polling location using the Tennessee Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at web.go-vote-tn.elections.tn.gov or by contacting the Hardeman County Election Commission. Polling places are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries. Tennessee offers early voting for approximately two weeks before each major election, typically held at the Election Commission office and possibly at additional early voting sites depending on the election. Under Tennessee public records law, numerous election records are publicly accessible. Voter registration lists can be obtained from the Election Commission, though use restrictions apply under Tennessee law to prevent commercial or improper use. Campaign finance reports for county and local candidates are filed with the Election Commission and are available for public inspection, while state legislative and statewide candidates file with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Candidate filings, including nominating petitions and qualification documents, are public records. Precinct-level election results are published by the Election Commission after each election and are available on the Hardeman County website or by request. Detailed turnout statistics and precinct results are available from the Election Commission. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters throughout the area will decide several important races. Tennessee's gubernatorial election is scheduled for 2026, with the governor's seat being contested along with other statewide constitutional offices including Secretary of State and Attorney General. Tennessee's U.S. Senate seats are held by Marsha Blackburn (not up until 2030) and Bill Hagerty (not up until 2026), but Hagerty's seat will be on the ballot. State legislative races for the Tennessee House of Representatives and Tennessee Senate will be contested, with the community falling within specific state house and senate districts that cover Hardeman County. County-level offices potentially on the 2026 ballot include Hardeman County Mayor (or County Executive depending on Tennessee's terminology for that position), County Commission seats, Hardeman County Sheriff, County Clerk, Register of Deeds, Trustee, and Circuit Court Clerk, depending on the term schedules for each office. Municipal elections for town offices may be held in coordination with county elections or on separate dates depending on the town's charter and election schedule. Tennessee offers absentee voting by mail for voters who meet specific criteria including being 60 years of age or older, having a physical disability, being a caretaker of a disabled person, being hospitalized or nursing home residents, being absent from the county during the early voting period and on election day, or having work responsibilities that prevent voting during open hours. Absentee ballot applications are available from the Hardeman County Election Commission and must be submitted with sufficient time for the ballot to be mailed to the voter and returned by election day. Tennessee requires absentee ballots to be received by the close of polls on election day (not just postmarked), so voters are encouraged to request and return absentee ballots well in advance. Medical or nursing home absentee voting applications require a physician or administrator signature. Military and overseas voters have additional absentee voting options under federal law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vital records for Hornsby, Hardeman County, Tennessee including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Tennessee Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Hardeman County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
To register to vote in Hornsby, Tennessee, residents can register online through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Hardeman County elections office. Tennessee requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Tennessee Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hornsby, contact the Hardeman County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Hornsby, Tennessee are maintained by the Hardeman Property Assessor's Office and the Hardeman County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Hardeman County, including parcels in Hornsby. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Hardeman County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Tennessee counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Hardeman County offices at the county courthouse. The Hardeman County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hornsby, Tennessee residents are available through both county and state offices. The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located in Nashville, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Tennessee. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Hardeman County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Hardeman County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.