Webster County, West Virginia Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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{{Locality
{{breadcrumb
|Name=Webster County
|ID=393679
|Level=2
|Country=United States
|CountryID=1
|Locality1=West Virginia
|Locality1id=345
|Locality2=Webster County
|Locality2id=393679
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[West Virginia, United States Genealogy|West Virginia]]
| link2= [[West Virginia, United States Genealogy|West Virginia]]
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}}


Guide to '''Webster County, West Virginia ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records.
Guide to '''Webster County, West Virginia ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.


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<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[West Virginia Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
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|organized= January 10, 1860
|organized= January 10, 1860
|county seat= Webster Springs
|county seat= Webster Springs
|parent county= [[Nicholas County, West Virginia Genealogy|Nicholas]], [[Braxton County, West Virginia Genealogy|Braxton]], [[Randolph County, West Virginia Genealogy|Randolph]]<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>
|parent county= [[Nicholas County, West Virginia Genealogy|Nicholas]], [[Braxton County, West Virginia Genealogy|Braxton]], [[Randolph County, West Virginia Genealogy|Randolph]]<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>
|variant spellings=
|variant spellings=
|county1= [[Braxton County, West Virginia Genealogy|Braxton]]
|county1= [[Braxton County, West Virginia Genealogy|Braxton]]
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=== Description ===
=== Description ===
Webster County was named for Daniel Webster. The county is located in the central area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Webster County, West Virginia" in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webster_County,_West_Virginia."</ref>
 
The County was named for Daniel Webster. The County has Webster Springs as its seat and the County was created January 10, 1860. The County is located in the centre area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Webster County, West Virginia" in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webster_County,_West_Virginia."</ref>


=== County Courthouse ===
=== County Courthouse ===
{{WV Courthouse Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Courthouse Intro|Webster}}
'''Webster County Courthouse'''<br> 2 Court Sq, #G1<br>Webster Springs, WV 26288<br>Phone:304-847-2508<br>[http://webstercounty.wv.gov/countygovernmentagencies/Pages/countyclerk.aspx Webster County Website]<br><br>
'''Webster County Courthouse'''<br> 2 Court Sq, #G1<br>Webster Springs, WV 26288<br>Phone:304-847-2508<br>[http://webstercounty.wv.gov/countygovernmentagencies/Pages/countyclerk.aspx Webster County Website]<br><br>
County Clerk has birth, marriage, death, burial, probate, and land records from 1887.<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>
County Clerk has birth, marriage, death, burial, probate, and land records from 1887.<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>


=== Webster County, West Virginia Record Dates  ===
=== Webster County, West Virginia Record Dates  ===
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| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Webster County, West Virginia. Page 743-746 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 742-743.</ref></center>
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Major County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Webster County, West Virginia. Page 743-746 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 742-743.</ref></center>
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| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Webster County, West Virginia Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Webster County, West Virginia Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
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| width="14.2%" align="center" |1870
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1870
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| colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1917. General compliance by 1925. </center>
| colspan="7"| <center>Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1917. General compliance by 1925. </center>
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*'''1860--'''Webster County was created 10 January 1860 from [[Nicholas County, West Virginia Genealogy|Nicholas]], [[Braxton County, West Virginia Genealogy|Braxton]] and [[Randolph County, West Virginia Genealogy|Randolph]] Counties.<br>
*'''1860--'''Webster County was created 10 January 1860 from [[Nicholas County, West Virginia Genealogy|Nicholas]], [[Braxton County, West Virginia Genealogy|Braxton]] and [[Randolph County, West Virginia Genealogy|Randolph]] Counties.<br>
*'''County seat:''' Webster Springs<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*'''County seat:''' Webster Springs<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/WV_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies West Virginia Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
For animated maps illustrating West Virginia county boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/westvirginia/ "Rotating Formation West Virginia County Boundary Maps"] (1617-1995) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.
*[https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/map/map.html#WV West Virginia Historical Borders - Map] at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; ''Also at:'' [http://www.mapofus.org/westvirginia/ mapofus.org] - animated maps illustrating West Virginia county boundary changes


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=== Populated Places ===
=== Populated Places ===
{{WV Populated Places Intro|Webster}}For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://westvirginia.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,101,c,webster.cfm Hometown Locator].
{{WV Populated Places Intro|Webster}}For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://westvirginia.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,101,c,webster.cfm Hometown Locator].
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* [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial Findagrave.com]
* [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial Findagrave.com]
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/webcemt.htm WVGenWeb]
* [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/webcemt.htm WVGenWeb]
* [http://usgwarchives.net/wv/webster/cemetery.htm WVGenWeb Archives]
* [http://usgwarchives.net/wv/webster/cemetery.htm WVGenWeb Archives]
* [http://www.usgwtombstones.org/westvirg/webster.htm WVTombstone Project]
* [http://www.usgwtombstones.org/westvirg/webster.htm WVTombstone Project]
* [http://www.interment.net/us/wv/webster.htm Interment]
* [http://www.interment.net/us/wv/webster.htm Interment]
* [http://westvirginiagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?selected_cid=51 WVGravestones]
* [http://westvirginiagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?selected_cid=51 WVGravestones]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/record/results?count=20&query=%2Bdeath_place%3A%22Webster%20County%20West%20Virginia%22~&collection_id=2026973 BillionGraves Index at FamilySearch]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/record/results?count=20&query=%2Bdeath_place%3A%22Webster%20County%20West%20Virginia%22~&collection_id=2026973 Billion Graves Index at FamilySearch]
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| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print''' ([[The Value of Cemetery Records in Print |Often more complete]])</center>
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print''' ([[The Value of Cemetery Records in Print |Often more complete]])</center>
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* {{FSC|United States, West Virginia, Webster - Cemeteries|subject|subject-id=429567896|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
* {{FHL|796017|subject-id|disp=Family History Library}}
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Webster+West+Virginia&qt=results_page WorldCat]
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Webster+West+Virginia&qt=results_page WorldCat]
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* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery-browse/USA/West-Virginia/Webster-County?id=county_3114 Findagrave.com]
* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery-browse/USA/West-Virginia/Webster-County?id=county_3114 Findagrave.com]
* [https://billiongraves.com/search/cemetery BillionGraves]
* [https://billiongraves.com/search/cemetery Billion Graves]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=393679&reqParentsLabel=Webster%2C%20West%20Virginia%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
* [http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/localList.php?local=23098&locTGroup=Cemeteries&direction=down&sec=0&qty=23&stateAbbv=&stateName= EPodunk]
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| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>See '''[[West Virginia Cemeteries]]''' for more information</center>
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>See '''[[West Virginia Cemeteries]]''' for more information</center>
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{{WV Church Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Church Intro|Webster}}


*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/churches.htm Churches of Webster County, West Virginia]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/churches.htm Churches of Webster County, West Virginia]
*[http://www.yellowbook.com/yellow-pages/?what=churches&where=webster+county%2C+wv Churches in Webster County, Yellow Pages]
*[http://www.yellowbook.com/yellow-pages/?what=churches&where=webster+county%2C+wv Churches in Webster County, Yellow Pages]
<br>
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=393679&reqParentsLabel=Webster%2C%20West%20Virginia%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]''' <br>


=== Court Records ===
=== Court Records ===
{{WV Court Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Court Intro|Webster}}
* '''1875-1926''' {{FSC|459316|item|disp=Chancery Orders, 1875-1926}}(*); Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1888-1929''' {{FSC|462127|item|disp=Order Books, 1888-1929}}(*); County Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1888-1991''' {{FSC|462104|item|disp=Bonds, 1888-1991}}(*); County Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* {{FSC|133363|item|disp=Inventory of the County Archives of West Virginia, No. 51, Webster County (Addison)}}(*); Historical Records Survey at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* {{FSC|133367|item|disp=Survey of State and Local Historical Records, Webster County}}(*); Historical Records Survey at FamilySearch Catalog — images


=== Directories ===
=== Directories ===
{{WV Directories Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Directories Intro|Webster}}
*'''1970-2024''' {{RecordSearch|5000290|United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024}} at FamilySearch — [[United States, Residence Database - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index, coverage may vary


=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
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=== Funeral Homes  ===
=== Funeral Homes  ===
{{WV Funeral Homes Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Funeral Homes Intro|Webster}}
 
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/funeralhomes.htm Funeral Homes in Webster County]
*[https://www.doddreedfh.com/ Dodd and Reed Funeral Home] in Cowen and Webster Springs.
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/funeralhomes.htm Funeral Homes in Webster County] at RootsWeb.
*[http://www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com/ Morris Funeral Home] in Cowen.


=== Genealogies  ===
=== Genealogies  ===
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{{WV Land Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Land Intro|Webster}}


''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/384607#?availability=Family%20History%20Library Deed index, 1888-1969 and deed books, 1798-1902]
 
*{{FSC|384607|item|disp=Deed index, 1888-1969 and deed books, 1798-1902}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


=== Local Histories ===
=== Local Histories ===
{{WV Histories Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Histories Intro|Webster}}


*[https://archive.ph/sfgz Webster County, West Virginia History]
*[http://www.wvculture.org/history/counties/webster.html West Virginia Archves &amp; History - Webster County]
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/webhist.htm Webster County, West Virginia History]
*[http://archive.is/sfgz Webster County, West Virginia History]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/webhist.htm Webster County, West Virginia History]


=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
{{WV Maps Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Maps Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{WV Webster County}}}}
[[Image:Wvwebster.jpg|thumb|right|180px|<center>Webster County</center>]]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=393679&reqParentsLabel=Webster%2C%20West%20Virginia%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=8&reqTypeLabel=Cities%20and%20Towns FamilySearch Places]: Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]
*[http://www.mapofus.org/westvirginia/ Maps of West Virginia (1617-1995)]
*[http://www.mapofus.org/westvirginia/ Maps of West Virginia (1617-1995)]
*[http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/wv/map.htm Map of 1850 Virginia and West Virginia]
*[http://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/wv/map.htm Map of 1850 Virginia and West Virginia]
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==== Revolutionary War ====
==== Revolutionary War ====
{{WV Revolutionary War Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Revolutionary War Intro|Webster}}
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/military.htm Webster County Military]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/military.htm Webster County Military]
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/military.htm Civil War and Rev War for Webster County]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/military.htm Civil War and Rev War for Webster County]


==== Civil War ====
==== Civil War ====
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{{WV Civil War Regiments|Webster}}<br>
{{WV Civil War Regiments|Webster}}<br>
:- [[3rd Regiment, Virginia State Line (Cavalry and Infantry) (Confederate)|3rd Regiment, Virginia State Line (Cavalry and Infantry) (Confederate)]]. Companies B and I.
:- [[3rd Regiment, Virginia State Line (Cavalry and Infantry) (Confederate)|3rd Regiment, Virginia State Line (Cavalry and Infantry) (Confederate)]]. Companies B and I.
:- [[9th Battalion, Virginia Infantry (Hansbrough's) (Confederate)|9th Battalion, Virginia Infantry (Hansbrough's) (Confederate)]]. Company B (Capt. William H. Mollohan's Company).<ref>Richard L. Armstrong, ''25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry'' (Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, c1990). {{FSC|406595|item|disp=FS Library Book 975.5 M2vr v. 71}}.</ref>
:- [[9th Battalion, Virginia Infantry (Hansbrough's) (Confederate)|9th Battalion, Virginia Infantry (Hansbrough's) (Confederate)]]. Company B (Capt. William H. Mollohan's Company).<ref>Richard L. Armstrong, ''25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry'' (Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, c1990). {{FHL|406595|item|disp=FHL Book 975.5 M2vr v. 71}}.</ref>


''Records and histories are available, including:''
''Records and histories are available, including:''


*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932429|Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865}} - [[West Virginia Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932429|Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865}}
*'''1861-1865''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2322 U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at [http://ancestry.com Ancestry] — index (free)
*'''1861-1865''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2322 U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at [http://ancestry.com Ancestry] — index (free)
*'''1861-1865''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2344 U.S., Union Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at [http://ancestry.com Ancestry] — index (free)
*'''1861-1865''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2344 U.S., Union Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at [http://ancestry.com Ancestry] — index (free)
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/military.htm Civil War and Rev War for Webster County]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/military.htm Civil War and Rev War for Webster County]
 
==== World War II ====
*'''1940-1945''' {{RecordSearch|2659405|West Virginia, World War II Draft Registration Cards,1940-1945}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[West Virginia, World War II Draft Registration Cards - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{WV Naturalization Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Naturalization Intro|Webster}}


*'''1814-1991'''  {{RecordSearch|1909003|West Virginia Naturalization Records, 1814-1991}} at FamilySearch — index & images - [[West Virginia Naturalization Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1814-1991'''  {{RecordSearch|1909003|West Virginia Naturalization Records, 1814-1991}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images


=== Newspapers ===
=== Newspapers ===
{{WV Newspapers Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Newspapers Intro|Webster}}


*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50083/ West Virginia, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/newspapers.html Webster County, Newspaper Articles]
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/newspapers.html Webster County, Newspaper Articles]


=== Obituaries ===
=== Obituaries ===
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{{WV Probate Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Probate Intro|Webster}}


''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
'''Online Probate Records'''
* '''1724-1985''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9087 West Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1724-1985] at Ancestry ($) — index & images
 
* '''1756-1971''' {{RecordSearch|1909099|West Virginia Will Books 1756-1971}} at FamilySearch — [[West Virginia Will Books - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1724-1978''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9087 West Virginia Wills and Probate Records 1724-1978] at [http://home.ancestry.com/ Ancestry.com] — index and images $
* '''1776-1971''' {{RecordSearch|4375852|West Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1776-1971}} at FamilySearch — [[West Virginia, County Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1756-1971''' {{RecordSearch|1909099|West Virginia Will Books 1756-1971}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] index and images
* '''1865-1938''' {{FSC|133371|item|disp=Probate Records, Webster County : 1865-1938}}(*); County Court and Historical Records Survey at FamilySearch Catalog — images
*'''1888-1964''' Webster County, West Virginia [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.familysearch.org%2Frecords%2Fwaypoint%2F14030646%3Fcc%3D1909099 Will Books 1888-1964]
* '''1875-1926''' {{FSC|459316|item|disp=Chancery Orders, 1875-1926}}(*); Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
*West Virginia {{RecordSearch|1909099|Will Books}}
* '''1888-1935''' {{FSC|232926|item|disp=Births, 1888-1905; Deaths, 1888-1916; Marriages, 1888-1935; Wills, etc., 1890-1931}}(*); County Clerk at FamilySearch Catalog — images
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/wills.html Wills of Webster County], Rootsweb
* '''1888-1964''' {{FSC|83988|item|disp=Will Books, 1888-1964}}(*); County Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1888-1991''' {{FSC|462104|item|disp=Bonds, 1888-1991}}(*); County Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1892-1942''' {{FSC|83974|item|disp=Fiduciary Records, 1892-1942}}(*); County Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* {{FSC|133363|item|disp=Inventory of the County Archives of West Virginia, No. 51, Webster County (Addison)}}(*); Historical Records Survey at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* {{FSC|133367|item|disp=Survey of State and Local Historical Records, Webster County}}(*); Historical Records Survey at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/wills.html Wills of Webster County] at Rootsweb
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


=== School Records ===
=== School Records ===
{{WV Schools Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Schools Intro|Webster}}
===Social Security Records===
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch - [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/ Ancestry ($)] — index, [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Applications and Claims Index|click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


=== Tax Records ===
=== Tax Records ===
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Many County Assessors offer an online searchable database, where assessment record searches can be performed by name, account number, year, or mp/parcel number. Where online records are not available, requests for records can be made to the Assessment Office in person, by phone, or in writing.
Many County Assessors offer an online searchable database, where assessment record searches can be performed by name, account number, year, or mp/parcel number. Where online records are not available, requests for records can be made to the Assessment Office in person, by phone, or in writing.


*[https://www.publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/west-virginia/property-records/tax West Virginia Assessor and Property Tax Records] at OnlineSearches
The search for tax information can start [http://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/West-Virginia-Assessor-and-Property-Tax-Records.htm here]


=== Vital Records ===
=== Vital Records ===
{{WV Vital Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Vital Intro|Webster}}


*[https://wvculture.org/vital-records-interactive/ West Virginia Vital Records, 1865-1969 (varies)] - Includes birth, death, and marriage.
*[http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_select.aspx West Virginia Vital Records, 1865-1969 (varies)] - Includes birth, death, and marriage.


==== Birth ====
==== Birth ====
{{WV Birth Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Birth Intro|Webster}}


*'''1853-1914''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10688/west-virginia-birth-index-1853-1914 West Virginia Birth Index, 1853-1914] at MyHeritage - index ($)
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/birth.htm Webster County, West Virginia Birth Records]
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/birth.htm Webster County, West Virginia Birth Records]


==== Marriage ====
==== Marriage ====
{{WV Marriage Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Marriage Intro|Webster}}


*'''1776-1971''' {{RecordSearch|4375852|West Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1776-1971}} at FamilySearch — [[West Virginia, County Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1801-1962''' - [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=washington%2cwa West Virginia, United States Marriages] at [http://findmypast.com/ FindMyPast] index $
*'''1780-1970''' {{RecordSearch|1408729|West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970}} at FamilySearch — [[West Virginia, County Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/webmar.htm Webster County, West Virginia Marriage Records]
*'''1780-1971''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20639/west-virginia-marriages?s=275764761 West Virginia Marriages] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1801-1962''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=washington%2cwa West Virginia, United States Marriages] at [http://findmypast.com/ Findmypast]; index $
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/webmar.htm Webster County, West Virginia Marriage Records]


==== Death ====
==== Death ====
{{WV Death Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Death Intro|Webster}}


*'''1804-1999''' {{RecordSearch|1417434|West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999}} at FamilySearch — index - [[West Virginia Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/death.htm Webster County, West Virginia Death Records]
*'''1853-1964''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10687/west-virginia-death-index-certificates-1853-1964 West Virginia Death Index & Certificates, 1853-1964] at MyHeritage - index ($)
*[http://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/death.htm Webster County, West Virginia Death Records]


==== Divorce ====
==== Divorce ====
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{{WV Archives Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Archives Intro|Webster}}


=== FamilySearch Centers ===
=== Family History Centers ===
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
{{Family History Centers Intro}}


*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wv/buckhannon/179-south-kanawha-street Buckhannon West Virginia FamilySearch Center]
*[[Introduction to Family History Centers]]


=== Libraries ===
=== Libraries ===
{{WV Libraries Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Libraries Intro|Webster}}


 
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/libraries.html Libraries in Webster County]
 
'''Cowen Public Library'''<br>47 Mill St<br>PO Box 187<br>Cowen, WV 26206<br>Phone: 304-226-5332<br>Email: [mailto:cowenpubliclibrary@gmail.com cowenpubliclibrary@gmail.com]<br>[https://www.cowenpubliclibrary.org/ Website]<br>[https://cowen.lib.wv.us/ Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/CowenPublicLibrary/ Facebook]<br><br>
'''Webster-Addison Public Library'''<br>331 S Main St<br>Webster Springs, WV<br>26288-1123<br>Phone: 304-847-5764<br>Email: [mailto:websteraddisonlibrary@gmail.com websteraddisonlibrary@gmail.com]<br>[https://websteraddison.lib.wv.us/ Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/websteraddisonpubliclibrary/ Facebook]<br>


=== Museums ===
=== Museums ===
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== Societies ==
== Societies ==
{{WV Societies Intro|Webster}}<br>
{{WV Societies Intro|Webster}}


'''Webster County Historical Society, Inc.'''<br>128 N Union St<br>Webster Springs, WV 26288<br>Phone: 304-847-5269<br>[https://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwchs/ Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100038568416088 Facebook]<br>
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/historical.htm Webster County Historical Society]
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1106192 Webster County Historical Society newsletter]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/dar-sar.html Webster County DAR and SAR]


== Websites ==
== Websites ==
{{WV Websites Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Websites Intro|Webster}}


*[http://www.genealogyinc.com/westvirginia/webster-county/ Webster County, WV History, Records, Facts and Genealogy]
*[https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/110408161286760143574 West Virginia Genealogy Network Community on Google+]
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/237878546240605/ West Virginia Genealogy Network Group on Facebook]
*[http://www.cyndislist.com/us/wv Cyndi's List for West Virginia]
*[http://www.cyndislist.com/us/wv Cyndi's List for West Virginia]
*[https://sites.rootsweb.com/~wvwebste/webster.htm Webster County WVGenWeb]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwebste/famweb.htm Webster County Family Histories]
*[https://www.hackerscreek.org/ Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants, Inc]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hcpd/ Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descedants, Inc]
*[http://www.wvculture.org/history/archives/counties/webster.html Webster County, West Virginia] Archives & History
*{{FHL Place IDNum|190174|West%20Virginia|Webster}}- The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/237878546240605/ West Virginia Genealogy Network Group on Facebook]
*{{FSC Place IDNum|1058|West%20Virginia|Webster}}- The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records
 
== Research Guides ==
== Research Guides ==
{{WV Research Guides Intro|Webster}}
{{WV Research Guides Intro|Webster}}

Revision as of 11:04, 3 December 2018

Guide to Webster County, West Virginia ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

{{{link}}}
County Facts
County seat: Webster Springs
Organized: January 10, 1860
Parent County(s): Nicholas, Braxton, Randolph[1]
Neighboring Counties
BraxtonGreenbrierLewisNicholasPocahontasRandolphUpshur
See County Maps
Courthouse
Webster County West Virginia Courthouse.JPG
Location Map
Wv-webster.png

County Information[edit | edit source]

Description[edit | edit source]

The County was named for Daniel Webster. The County has Webster Springs as its seat and the County was created January 10, 1860. The County is located in the centre area of the state.[2]

County Courthouse[edit | edit source]

Webster County Courthouse
2 Court Sq, #G1
Webster Springs, WV 26288
Phone:304-847-2508
Webster County Website

County Clerk has birth, marriage, death, burial, probate, and land records from 1887.[3]

Webster County, West Virginia Record Dates[edit | edit source]

Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.

Known Beginning Dates for Major County Records[4]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1887 1887 1887 1887 1887 1887 1870
Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1917. General compliance by 1925.

Record Loss[edit | edit source]

1888 Fire burned the courthouse and destroyed many records. Additionally, prior to the fire, records were not consistently kept.

For suggestions about research in places that suffered historic record losses, see:

Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]

For animated maps illustrating West Virginia county boundary changes, "Rotating Formation West Virginia County Boundary Maps" (1617-1995) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.

Populated Places[edit | edit source]

For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit Hometown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[6]

Towns
Unincorporated communities
Census-designated places


History Timeline[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

Bible Records[edit | edit source]

Biographies[edit | edit source]

Business, Commerce, and Occupations[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries of Webster County, West Virginia online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online
Tombstone Transcriptions in Print (Often more complete)
List of Cemeteries in the County
See West Virginia Cemeteries for more information

Census Records[edit | edit source]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1860 1,555
1870 1,730 11.3%
1880 3,207 85.4%
1890 4,783 49.1%
1900 8,862 85.3%
1910 9,680 9.2%
1920 11,562 19.4%
1930 14,216 23.0%
1940 18,080 27.2%
1950 17,888 −1.1%
1960 13,719 −23.3%
1970 9,809 −28.5%
1980 12,245 24.8%
1990 10,729 −12.4%
2000 9,719 −9.4%
2010 9,154 −5.8%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".

For tips on accessing Webster census records online, see: West Virginia Census.

Church Records[edit | edit source]

Court Records[edit | edit source]

Directories[edit | edit source]

Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]

Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups[edit | edit source]

Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]

Genealogies[edit | edit source]

Guardianship[edit | edit source]

Land and Property Records[edit | edit source]

Land and property records can place an ancestor in a particular location, provide economic information, and reveal family relationships. Land records include: deeds, abstracts and indexes, mortgages, leases, grants and land patents.

See West Virginia Land and Property for additional information about early West Virginia land grants. After land was transferred to private ownership, subsequent transactions were usually recorded at the county courthouse and where records are currently housed.

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Local histories are available for Webster County, West Virginia Genealogy. County histories may include biographies, church, school and government history, and military information. For more information about local histories see the wiki page section West Virginia Local Histories.

Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]

Webster County

Migration[edit | edit source]

Military Records[edit | edit source]

Revolutionary War[edit | edit source]

Civil War[edit | edit source]

Regiments. Service men in Webster served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (within a regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies that were specifically formed in Webster County:

- 3rd Regiment, Virginia State Line (Cavalry and Infantry) (Confederate). Companies B and I.
- 9th Battalion, Virginia Infantry (Hansbrough's) (Confederate). Company B (Capt. William H. Mollohan's Company).[7]

Records and histories are available, including:

Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]

Newspapers[edit | edit source]

Obituaries[edit | edit source]

Other Records[edit | edit source]

Periodicals[edit | edit source]

Probate Records[edit | edit source]

Online Probate Records

School Records[edit | edit source]

Tax Records[edit | edit source]

West Virginia real and personal property tax records are managed by the County Assessor in each county. Land and land improvements are considered real property while mobile property is classified as personal property.

Many County Assessors offer an online searchable database, where assessment record searches can be performed by name, account number, year, or mp/parcel number. Where online records are not available, requests for records can be made to the Assessment Office in person, by phone, or in writing.

The search for tax information can start here

Vital Records[edit | edit source]

Birth[edit | edit source]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Death[edit | edit source]

Divorce[edit | edit source]

Research Facilities[edit | edit source]

Archives[edit | edit source]

Listed below are archives in Webster County. For state-wide archival repositories, see West Virginia Archives and Libraries.

Family History Centers[edit | edit source]

Template:Family History Centers Intro

Libraries[edit | edit source]

Listed below are libraries in Webster County. For state-wide library facilities, see West Virginia Archives and Libraries.

Museums[edit | edit source]

Societies[edit | edit source]

Listed below are societies in Webster County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see West Virginia Societies.

Websites[edit | edit source]

Research Guides[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
  2. Wikipedia contributors, "Webster County, West Virginia" in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webster_County,_West_Virginia."
  3. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
  4. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Webster County, West Virginia. Page 743-746 At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 742-743.
  5. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), West Virginia.At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002.
  6. Wikipedia contributors, "Webster County, West Virginia," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webster_County,_West_Virginia, accessed 29 August 2018.
  7. Richard L. Armstrong, 25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry (Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, c1990). FHL Book 975.5 M2vr v. 71.