Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[Washington]]'' [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] '''Cowlitz County, Washington''' [[Image:{{WACowlitzSt.Helens}}]]<br><br>Guide to '''{{PAGENAME}} genealogy.''' Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records, since 1861, when the [[{{PAGENAME}}#County_Overview|county was formed]].<br><br>
{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Washington, United States Genealogy|Washington]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy|Cowlitz County]]
}}


{| width="25%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
Guide to '''Cowlitz County, Washington ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
 
{| style="width:18%; float:right"
|-
|
<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Washington Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
|-
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| <center>'''County QuickStart:'''</center>  
|
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Census|Census]]  
<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Birth|Birth]]  
|organized= April 21, 1854
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Marriage|Marriage]]  
|county seat= Kelso
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Death|Death]]
|parent county= [[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy|Lewis ]]
 
|variant spellings=
|}
|county1= [[Clark County, Washington Genealogy|Clark]]
|county2= [[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy|Lewis]]
|county3= [[Skamania County, Washington Genealogy|Skamania]]
|county4= [[Wahkiakum County, Washington Genealogy|Wahkiakum]]
|county5= [[Columbia County, Oregon Genealogy|Columbia (OR)]]</br><center>[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center>
|county6=
|county7=
|county8=
|county9=
|county10=
|county courthouse= [[Image:Washington, Cowlitz County Courthouse.png|300px]]
|county location in state= [[Image:Wa-cowlitz.png|185x185px]]
|adoption=
}}
<br>[[Image:MSH82 st helens spirit lake reflection 05-19-82.jpg|thumb|right|240px|<center>Mount St. Helens, Cowlitz County, Washington, United States Forest Service</center>]]
|}</center>
<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div>
== County Information ==


<br><br><br><br>{{DCWAmapbuttonR}} {{Infobox U.S. County
=== Description ===
| county = Cowlitz County
The county was named from the anglicized version of the Cowlitz Indian term, Cow-e-liske, meaning either "river of shifting sands" or "capturing the medicine spirit." The county is located in the southwest area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Cowlitz County, Washington," in ''https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlitz_County,_Washington.'' accessed 15/07/2019</ref>
| county_map = Wa-cowlitz.png
| state = Washington
| state_map = Washington.png
| latd =  
| longd =  
| founded year = 1854
| founded date = April 21
| seat =  Kelso
| building image =
| building address =
[http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/ Cowlitz County Courthouse]<br>207 4th Ave North<br>Kelso, WA 98626-1798<br>Phone 360.577.3016<br>[http://www.Cowlitzcounty.us/ '''Cowlitz County Website'''] }}


=== County Overview  ===
=== County Courthouse ===
{{WA Courthouse Intro|Cowlitz}}
'''Cowlitz County Courthouse'''<br>312 SW 1st Ave<br>Kelso, WA 98626-1798<br>Phone 360-577-3016<br>[https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/158/Clerk-of-Superior-Court Cowlitz County Website]<br>


{{Tip|Before 1888—and perhaps until the newly-formed county was fully operational—search records of the parent county(s).}}  
County Auditor has marriage record from 1867, death record 1891-1907 and land records. <br>
County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records from 1874, naturalization and adoption records from 1869. <ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Clark County, Washington page 732, {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>


==== Parent County(s)  ====
=== Cowlitz County, Washington Record Dates ===
 
{{WA Record Dates Intro|Cowlitz}}
'''Parent County:''' created 21 April 1854 from [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis ]]
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
 
'''County Seat:''': Kelso For Courthouse, see [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives, libraries, etc.]]
 
==== Neighboring Counties ====
 
{{PAGENAME}} is surrounded by: [[Clark County, Washington|Clark]] | [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis]] | [[Skamania County, Washington|Skamania]] | [[Wahkiakum County, Washington|Wahkiakum]] | [[Columbia County, Oregon|Columbia County, Oregon]]<center>{{WACowlitz County Clickable Neighbors}}</center>
 
==== Boundary Changes  ====
 
*[http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#COWLITZ Historical County Boundaries] from Newberry Library<ref>John H. Long, ''Atlas of Historical County Boundaries'' (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) [http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/ online].</ref><br><br>
 
==== Dates of Major County Records  ====
 
'''Note''': The dates you see below have '''not yet''' been adapted to {{PAGENAME}}.
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="2"
|-
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#ccff66" align="center" colspan="6" | '''Beginning dates for major county records'''
| 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), Cowlitz County, Washington . Page 732-735 {{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), 733-734.</ref></center>
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Birth|Birth]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Marriage|Marriage]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Death|Death]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Land_and_Property|Land]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Probate|Probate]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Court_Records|Court]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Probate Records|Probate]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1891*</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1891
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1854*</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1867
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1891*</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1891
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1854</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1874
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1860</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1854
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1872</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1874
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1850
|-
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#99d6ff" colspan="6" | '''* For earlier dates, try...''' '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington#Church_Records|Church]] &#124; [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Obituaries|Obituaries]] &#124; [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Cemeteries|Cemeteries]]'''
| colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. General compliance by 1917.</center>
|}
|}


=== Topics  ===
=== Record Loss ===
{{WA Record Loss Intro|Cowlitz}}
{|
|-
|
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.


Below are resources used for family history and genealogy, with dates, value of records, and how to access them for {{PAGENAME}}. Internet links may contain names, images, or more information for the county.
|}
=== Boundary Changes ===
{{WA Boundary Changes Intro|Cowlitz}}
{|
|-
|
* '''Parent County(s):''' Created 21 April 1854 from [[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy|Lewis]] County.
* '''County Seat:''' Kelso<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*[http://www.mapofus.org/Washington Interactive Map of Washington County Formation History] (1790-1897) - animated maps illustrating Washington county boundary changes
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#COWLITZ Cowlitz County, Washington Historical Boundary Changes] - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library
|}


{{Tip|Don't overlook {{FHL|Washington, Cowlitz|place|disp={{PAGENAME}}}} items in the FamilySearch Library Catalog. For other libraries (local and national) or to gain access to items of interest, see [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives and Libraries]].}}  
=== Populated Places ===
{{WA Populated Places Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Bible Records  ====
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://Washington.hometownlocator.com/wa/Cowlitz Hometown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Cowlitz County, Washington," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlitz_County,_Washington,
accessed 4 March 2019.</ref>


==== Biography  ====
{{populated places
<!--cities column------------------->
| cities-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Rock,_Washington Castle Rock]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalama,_Washington Kalama]</div>
| cities-col2=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelso,_Washington Kelso] (county seat)
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longview,_Washington Longview]</div>
| cities-col3=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodland,_Washington Woodland]‡</div>
<!--towns column------------------->
| towns-col1=
| towns-col2=
| towns-col3=
<!--villages column------------------->
| villages-col1=
| villages-col2=
| villages-col3=
<!--hamlets column------------------->
| hamlets-col1=
| hamlets-col2=
| hamlets-col3=
<!--unincorp column------------------->
| unincorp-col1=<div>
* Ariel
* Bunker Hill
* Caples
* Caples Landing
* Carrolls
* Coal Creek
* Cougar
* Davis Terrace
* Eufaula
* Eufaula Heights
* Evergreen Terrace</div>
| unincorp-col2=<div>
* Harrington Place
* Headquarters
* Kid Valley
* Oak Point
* Olequa
* Ostrander
* Pigeon Springs
* Pleasant Hill
* Rocky Point
* Rose Valley</div>
| unincorp-col3=<div>
* Saint Helens
* Sandy Bend
* Sightly
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Lake,_Washington Silver Lake]
* Stella
* Toutle
* Vision Acres
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Longview,_Washington West Longview]
* Woodland Park
* Yale</div>
<!--native american column------------------->
| native-col1=
| native-col2=
| native-col3=
<!--census column------------------->
| census-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longview_Heights,_Washington Longview Heights]</div>
| census-col2=<div>
* Ryderwood</div>
| census-col3=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Side_Highway,_Washington West Side Highway]</div>
<!--townships column------------------->
| townships-col1=
| townships-col2=
| townships-col3=
<!--historic communities column------------------->
| historic-communities-col1=
| historic-communities-col2=
| historic-communities-col3=
<!--historic African American communities column------------------->
| historic-AA communities-col1=
| historic-AA communities-col2=
| historic-AA communities-col3=
<!--unorganized territories column------------------->
| unorgan-col1=
| unorgan-col2=
| unorgan-col3=
<!--ghost towns column------------------->
| ghost-col1=
| ghost-col2=
| ghost-col3=
}}
<p>‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties</p>


==== Cemeteries  ====
=== History Timeline ===
{{WA Historical Timeline Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{WACemeteriesBlurb}}  
*The original inhabitants of the lands drained by the Cowlitz River were variously called The {{wpd|Cowlitz people|Cawalitz}}, Cow-a-lidsk, Cowalitsk, Cow-e-lis-kee, Cowelits, Cowlitch, Co-litsick, Kawelitsk, Kowlitz.
*'''1792''' The first Europeans to visit the county were British seafarers.
*'''1805''' November 5, Lewis and Clark camped at the mouth of the Kalama River, under orders from President Thomas Jefferson.
*'''1825''' Permanent settlers arrived from the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) at Fort Vancouver.
*'''1828''' The first white man credited with ascending the Cowlitz River was HBC Factor George Simpson.
*'''1820s (late)- 1830s''' The Cowlitz became an important artery for trappers and for communication with Fort Vancouver subposts at Cowlitz Farms and Nisqually Farms.
*'''1847''' December 25, The first American to settle in the future Cowlitz County was Scotsman Peter W. Crawford (1822-1889), who took a {{wpd|Donation Land Claim Act|Donation Claim}} on the left bank of the Cowlitz near the mouth of the Coweeman.
*'''1853''' March 2, U.S. President Millard Fillmore establishes {{wpd|Washington Territory|Washington Territory}}.
*'''1854''' April 21, The Washington Territorial Legislature formed Cowlitz County.


<br>
== Resources ==
{{WA Resources Intro|Cowlitz}}


*[http://billiongraves.com/pages/cemetery/cemetery.php?cemetery_id=111972 Whittle and Hubbard Cemetery, Castle Rock] BillionGraves
=== Bible Records ===
{{WA Bible Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Census ====
=== Biographies ===
{{WA Biographies Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{WA Census}}  
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
{{WA Business Records Intro|Cowlitz}}


*See [[Washington Census|Washington Census]] for online indexes and images of US federal censuses. of: 1856, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940.
=== Cemeteries ===
*See [[Washington Population Schedule Indexes: Fiche, Film, or Book|statewide printed indexes]], including 1856.
{{WA Cemeteries Intro|Cowlitz}}
*Check county indexes when online indexes fail. Created by people who knew the families of the area, they are often more accurate and they may have added insights. See [[Washington Periodicals|periodicals]] and [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|local libraries]] or other record holders.


*1890 Veterans
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;  "
*1900
|-
*1910
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Cowlitz County, Washington''' online and in print</center>
*1920
|-
*1930
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
*1940
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Cowlitz+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_2960  Find a Grave]
* [http://usgwtombstones.org/washington/cowlitz.htm WA Tombstone Transcription Project]
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Washington&cemetery_county=Cowlitz&year_range=5&size=15  BillionGraves]
* [http://usgwarchives.net/wa/cowlitz/cowlitz.htm  USGenWeb Archives]
* [http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/wacowlitz/cemeteries.html WAGenWeb]
|-
| 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>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* {{FSC|503896|subject-id|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Cowlitz+County%2C+Washington%2C+cemeteries&qt=results_page WorldCat]
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?cemetery-name=&cemetery-loc=Cowlitz+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_2960 Find a Grave]
* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395088&reqParentsLabel=Cowlitz%2C%20Washington%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Washington Cemeteries|Washington Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
|}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/505285?availability=Family%20History%20Library Cowlitz County Genealogical Resources] by Cowlitz County Genealogical Society at FamilySearch - images only


==== Church Records ====
=== Census Records ===
{{WA Census Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{WA Church Intro}}  
{{Historical populations
|type = USA
|heading = Census
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlitz_County,_Washington#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]
|1860 |406
|1870 |730
|1880 |2062
|1890 |5917
|1900 |7877
|1910 |12561
|1920 |11791
|1930 |31906
|1940 |40155
|1950 |53369
|1960 |57801
|1970 |68616
|1980 |79548
|1990 |82119
|2000 |92948
|2010 |102410
}}
* Census indexes at [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/ Washington State Digital Archives] and [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/70878/ Ancestry] ($)
::'''Federal''':[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/118 1910]
::'''Territorial''': [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/348 1870], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/179 1871], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/142 1883], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/382 1885], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/398 1887].


*Church records (microfilmed originals or published transcripts) for {{PAGENAME}} are listed in the {{FHL|Washington, Okanogan|place|disp=FamilySearch catalog}}. (Press space bar to select town.)
*'''1850-1914'''  [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/70878/ Web: Washington, U.S., Various County Census Records, 1850-1914] at Ancestry (Free)
* '''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|- How to Use this Collection]]; images only. Select Browse all images, click county


===== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  =====
=== Church Records ===
{{WA Church Intro|Cowlitz}}


'''LDS Ward and Branch Records'''
'''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint'''<br>
*Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints<br>
::Kelso


*Kelso
'''Lutheran'''<br>
*Records of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Castle Rock, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at [http://www.archives.com Archives.com] ($).


===== Lutheran  =====
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''<br>
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395088&reqParentsLabel=Cowlitz%2C%20Washington%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]''': Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]


:*Records of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Castle Rock, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at [http://www.archives.com Archives.com] ($).
=== Court Records ===
{{WA Court Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Court Records ====
''Online Court Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''1853-1889''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/214 Cowlitz Frontier Justice.] Part of "''Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889'' at Washington State Archives - index and images
::The court procedures of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of the Washington Territory. The index has many abstracts that provide names and what is happening in disputes, settlements in civil and criminal cases as well as probate, equity and admiralty cases.
*'''1876-1951''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/2002293/waypoints Washington, Cowlitz County Civil Court Dockets, 1876-1951] at FamilySearch - images only
*'''1986-present''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1288 Power of Attorney Records 1986 - present] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28753 ''Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 8. Cowlitz County (Kelso)''] at Ancestry - index and images ($)


Many of your ancestors may be found in court records as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. Court records can establish family relationships and places of residence, occupations, and other family history information. See [[Washington Court Records]] for the various courts through the years.
=== Directories ===
{{WA Directories Intro|Cowlitz}}


For specialized court records, see [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Divorce|Divorce]] {{·}} [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Guardianship|Guardianship]] {{·}} [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Land_and_Property|Land]] {{·}} [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Naturalization_and_Citizenship|Naturalization]] {{·}} [[Cowlitz County, Washington#Probate_Records|Probate]]
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
{{WA Emigration Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Directories  ====
=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups ===
{{WA Ethnic Groups Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Emigration and Immigration  ====
'''''American Indians'''''<br>
* '''1911-1919''' {{RecordSearch|2300675|Washington, Applications for Enrollment and Adoption of Washington Indians, 1911-1919}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, Applications for Enrollment and Adoption of Washington Indians - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


==== Ethnic, Political or Religious Groups  ====
'''''Japanese'''''<br>
*'''1942-1946''' [http://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/486 Public Welfare/Social Security Department, Evacuee (Japanese) Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946] at Washington State Archives - index and images; Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946


===== American Indian =====
=== Funeral Homes ===
{{WA Funeral Homes Intro|Cowlitz}}


===== Japanese =====
=== Genealogies ===
{{WA Genealogies Intro|Cowlitz}}


*World War II Files, 1942-1946. Public Welfare/Social Security Department, ([http://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/486 Japanese Internment]) Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946 from the Washington State Archives – Digital Archives.
=== Guardianship ===
{{WA Guardianship Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Gazetteers  ====
=== Land and Property Records ===
{{WA Land Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Genealogy  ====
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''1986-2023''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1285 Cowlitz County Auditor, Recorded Land Records, 1986-2023] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1986-2023''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1287 Cowlitz County Auditor, Plats and Surveys, 1986-2023] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1986-2023''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1290 Cowlitz County Auditor, Recorded Agreements and Contracts, 1986-2023] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*County Recorder's Office: check deeds, file mining claims, get assistance in finding ownership of a particular property, and obtain copies of county plat maps. This office has county plat records dating back to 1878, prior records having been destroyed in a fire.
*[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]


{{CommunityTree}}  
=== Local Histories ===
{{WA Histories Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Guardianship  ====
*[http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/wacowlitz/logging.html "Logging Industry in Cowlitz Co., Washington "] online at DrizzleHosting.com
*[http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/wacowlitz/data.html "Cowlitz Co., WA Databases "] at DrizzleHosting.com
*[http://www.stateofus.com/washington/cowlitz-county/ Cowlitz County, Washington Facts] at StateofUS.com (mis-labeled as Cowlitz County, Alabama)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28594 ''Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 8. Cowlitz County (Kelso)''] at Ancestry - index and images ($)


Guardianship of orphans or adults unable to manage their own affairs were handled by the [[Adams County, Washington#Probate_Records|probate]] and the Federal District courts. See [[Washington Court Records]].
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
{{WA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{WA Cowlitz County}}}}
{{WA Maps Intro|Cowlitz}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395088&reqParentsLabel=Cowlitz%2C%20Washington%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]]


==== History  ====
=== Migration ===
{{WA Migration Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{WA History Intro}}  
=== Military Records ===
{{WA Military Intro|Cowlitz}}


===== History Timeline  =====
*'''1885-1907''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/476 Military Department, National Guard Enlistment Register, 1885-1907] at Washington State Archives - index and images


[http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#COWLITZ Historical County Boundaries] from Newberry Library<ref>John H. Long, ''Atlas of Historical County Boundaries'' (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) [http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/ online].</ref><br><br> Emphasis for this timeline is on events that affected migration, records, or record-keeping. Unless otherwise mentioned, the events below were gleaned from Wilma, David. ''Cowlitz County -- Thumbnail History'', [http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=7482 History Link.org] Essay 7482.
'''''Indian Wars'''''
*'''1855-1856''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/495 Military Department, Indian War Muster Rolls, 1855-1856] at Washington State Archives - index and images


*The original inhabitants of the lands drained by the Cowlitz River were variously called The {{wpd|Cowlitz people|Cawalitz}}, Cow-a-lidsk, Cowalitsk, Cow-e-lis-kee, Cowelits, Cowlitch, Co-litsick, Kawelitsk, Cowalitsk, Kowlitz, Kowlitz.
'''''World War I'''''
*The first Europeans to visit the county were British seafarers.
* '''1921-1925''' {{RecordSearch|1878898|Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records, 1921-1925}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*1825 - Permanent settlers arrived from the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) at Fort Vancouver.
*1828 - The first white man credited with ascending the Cowlitz River was HBC Factor George Simpson.
*The Cowlitz became an important artery for trappers and for communication with Fort Vancouver subposts at Cowlitz Farms and Nisqually Farms.
*1847 - December - 25 - The first American to settle in the future Cowlitz County was Scotsman Peter W. Crawford (1822-1889), who took a {{wpd|Donation Land Claim Act|Donation Claim}} on the left bank of the Cowlitz near the mouth of the Coweeman.
*1854 - April - 21 - The Washington Territorial Legislature formed Cowlitz County.


==== Land and Property ====
'''''World War II'''''
*[https://aad.archives.gov/aad/series-description.jsp?s=3360&cat=all&bc=sl World War II enlistments] at The National Archives. Select search codes for state and county. These are partial lists. The NARA website cautions: "This series does not contain records of all World War II Army enlistees."


{{WA Land Intro}}
'''''Japanese'''''<br>
*'''1942-1946''' [http://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/486 Public Welfare/Social Security Department, Evacuee (Japanese) Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946] at Washington State Archives - index and images; Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946


*County Recorder's Office: check deeds, file mining claims, get assistance in finding ownership of a particular property, and obtain copies of county plat maps. This office has county plat records dating back to 1878, prior records having been destroyed in a fire.
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{WA Naturalization Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Maps  ====
''Online Naturalization Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1850-1982''' {{RecordSearch|1932554|Washington, County Naturalization Records, 1850-1982}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Naturalization Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1856-1980''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/454 Cowlitz County, Naturalization Records, 1856-1980] at Washington State Archives - index and images


[[Image:Wacowlitz.jpg|300px|Wacowlitz.jpg]] <br>{{WAMapInfo}}  
=== Newspapers ===
{{WA Newspapers Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Migration  ====
*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50082/ Washington, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1855-2009''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10633/washington-newspapers-1855-2009?s=275764761 Washington Newspapers, 1855-2009] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*[[Cowlitz County, Washington Newspapers]] - List of known newspapers for the county, including town and years published for each newspaper
*[https://washingtondigitalnewspapers.org/ Washington Digital Newspaper] at Washington State Library


==== Military  ====
=== Obituaries ===
{{WA Obituaries Intro|Cowlitz}}


*[http://files.usgwarchives.net/wa/Cowlitz/military/ww2/service/armyenlists.txt World War II (1941–1945) army enlistments] at the [http://www.usgwarchives.net/wa/Cowlitz/Cowlitz.htm county GenWeb site] has about 400 entries, mostly from Cowlitz and other counties. Key (at end of the list) explains codes and columns. Gives year and state of birth. Free.
=== Other Records ===
{{WA Other Records Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Naturalization and Citizenship  ====
'''''Public Records'''''<br>
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1932554 Naturalization Records, 1850-1982] FamilySearch Historical Collections (free)
* '''Prior to 1965''' {{RecordSearch|1404287|Washington Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, Postmaster Indexes - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only


Declarations of Intent before 1906 often include the nation of origin, his* foreign and "Americanized" names, residence, and date of arrival. See [[Washington Naturalization and Citizenship]] for more information. (*Women were not naturalized until 1922 in the United States.)
'''''Voting Records'''''<br>
* '''1876-1940''' {{RecordSearch|3754702|Washington Voting Records, 1876-1940}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington Voting Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/RecordSeriesInfo.aspx?rsid=2 Washington State Digital Archives] has digitized various types of naturalization-related records, including declarations of intentions, delayed birth files, naturalization affidavits, notifications of application for admission to US citizenship, orders fixing naturalization terms, petitions and records, petitions, receipts for certificates of citizenship, record of final decrees of citizenship and record of petitions dockets. Depending on the county, records range from 1854-1988.
=== Periodicals ===
 
{{WA Periodicals Intro|Cowlitz}}
==== Newspapers  ====
* [[Washington Periodicals]]
 
{{WA Newspaper abstracts|Cowlitz}}
 
*[[{{PAGENAME}} Newspapers]] (Sortable by towns, years, and titles)
 
==== Obituaries  ====
 
==== Periodicals  ====
 
==== Poorhouses, Poor Law, etc.  ====
 
==== Probate Records  ====
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1454946 County Probate Case Files, 1832-1950] FamilySearch Historical Collections (free)


=== Probate Records ===
{{WA Probate Intro|Cowlitz}}
{{WA Probate Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Public Records ====
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
 
* '''1803-2010''' {{RecordSearch|1910364|Washington, County Records, 1803-2010}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only. Includes: collection of various records including vital, probate, school, tax, naturalization and other records.
==== Taxation  ====
* '''1832-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1454946|Washington, County Probate Case Files, 1832-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Probate Case Files - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
 
*[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]
{{WA Tax Intro}}
 
==== Vital Records  ====
 
{{WA vital intro}}
 
===== Birth  =====
 
===== Marriage  =====
 
*Marriages from 9 Nov 1854 to 18 Sep 1887 are available on the '''[http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/Search.cfm Western States Marriage Index]''' website
 
===== Divorce  =====
 
Divorce records give the names of the parties and may give the date and place of their marriage. See [[Washington Vital Records#Divorce_Records|Washington Vital Records]] for excellent information.
 
*[https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecords%2Fwaypoint%2FMMB4-BQL%3A458679640%3Fcc%3D1930340 1872] Part of '' County Divorce Records, 1852-1950''FamilySearch Historical Collections (free)
 
===== Death  =====
 
*'''Washington Death Certificates 1907-1960 '''A free internet index to the 1907-1960 death certificates can be found at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://www.familysearch.org/searchapi/search/collection/1454923 FamilySearch Record Search], no images are available. A transcribed death certificate may contain such information as name of the deceased, date and place of death, age, gender, birth date and birth place, mother’s maiden name and name of spouse, place of residence, occupation and certificate numbers.
 
==== Websites  ====
 
*{{FHL|Washington%2C+Cowlitz|subject|disp=Family History Library Catalog}}  
*[http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/WA/Cowlitz/ Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy and Family History] (Linkpendium)
 
=== Archives, Libraries, etc.  ===
 
Resources for {{PAGENAME}} are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the [[Washington Archives and Libraries|state]] (including [[Washington Archives and Libraries#University_Libraries_and_Special_Collections|universities]]), and the [[United States Archives and Libraries|nation]].
 
*Check websites and catalogs, such as items in {{FHL|Washington, Cowlitz|place|disp=FamilySearch Library}} (Utah) or [http://smartcat.acpl.lib.in.us/?q=cowlitz+county+Washington Allen County Public Library] (Indiana) for {{PAGENAME}}. {{GetACopy tip}}


===== Courthouse  =====
=== School Records ===
{{WA Schools Intro|Cowlitz}}


[http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/ Cowlitz County Courthouse]<br>207 4th Ave North<br>Kelso, WA 98626-1798<br>Phone 360.577.3016<br><br>County Auditor has marriage record from 1867,<br> death record 1891-1907 and land records. <br>County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records from 1874,<br> naturalization and adoption records from 1869. <ref name="HBG">''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Clark County, Washington page 732, {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>
''Online School Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1803-2010''' {{RecordSearch|1910364|Washington, County Records, 1803-2010}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
::Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, '''school''', tax, naturalization and other records.
::School Registers are arranged by grade and gives names, ages, attendance.
::School Censuses include names, birth dates, parents or guardians.


===== FamilySearch Centers  =====
=== 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]
*'''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


{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
=== Tax Records ===
*[[Longview Washington Family History Center]]
{{WA Tax Intro|Cowlitz}}


===== Libraries  =====
''Online Tax Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1803-2010''' {{RecordSearch|1910364|Washington, County Records, 1803-2010}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
::Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, school, '''tax''', naturalization and other records.


{{WALibraries Intro}}  
=== Vital Records ===
{{WA Vital Intro|Cowlitz}}


:[http://www.librarything.com/venue/55697/Castle-Rock-Library Castle Rock Public Library], 137 Cowlitz St W., Castle Rock 98611 Phone: (360) 274-6961
==== Birth ====
{{WA Birth Intro|Cowlitz}}
*'''1852-1963''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20222/washington-births?s=275764761 Washington, Births] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1871-1921''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2600 Department of Health, Delayed Birth Records] at Washington State Archives - index and images; includes some earlier and later dates
* '''1873-1965''' {{RecordSearch|3418468|Washington, County Birth Registers, 1873-1965}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Birth Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1891-1940''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/947 Cowlitz County Birth Records, 1891-1940] at Washington State Archives - index and images


::Online Resources: (None found Oct. 2013)
==== Marriage ====
{{WA Marriage Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Unique Collections:
*'''1801-1962''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=washington%2cwa Washington, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($)
*'''1854-1887''' [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/Search.cfm Western States Marriage Index] at BYU Special Collections and Family History
*'''1855-2008''' {{RecordSearch|1534448|Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1986-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1158 Cowlitz County Auditor, Marriage Records, 1986-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1968-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2601 Department of Health, Marriage Certificates, 1968-1997] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1969-2022''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2208 Department of Health, Marriage Index, 1969-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images


:[http://www.everylibrary.com/Kalama-WA/Kalama-Public-Library.html/ Kalama Public Library], 312 N 1st, Kalama 98625 Phone: (360) 673-4568
==== Death ====
{{WA Death Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Online Resources: American Ancestry Records, Family History Records and Vital Records
* '''1881-1979''' {{RecordSearch|3438698|Washington, County Death Registers, 1881-1979}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Death Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1898-1907''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/334 Cowlitz County Auditor, Death Records, 1898-1907] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1907-1960''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30019/washington-death-certificates-1907-1960?s=275764761 Washington, Death Certificates, 1907-1960] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1907-1960''' {{RecordSearch|1454923|Washington Death Certificates, 1907-1960}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, Death Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1907-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2597 Department of Health, Death Certificates, July 1, 1907-1997] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1907-2020''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/472 Department of Health, Death Index, 1907-1960; 1965-2020] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1915-1928''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/475 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Fatal Accident Cards, 1915-1928] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1919-1921''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2711 Department of Health, Fetal Death Records, 1919-1921] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1941-1943''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2376 Kalama City Clerk (Cowlitz Co), Burial Transit Permits, 1941-1943] at Washington State Archives - index and images


::Unique Collections:
==== Divorce ====
{{WA Divorce Intro|Cowlitz}}
* '''1852-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1930340|Washington, County Divorce Records, 1852-1950}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington County Divorce Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1968-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2602 Department of Health, Divorce Certificates, 1968-1997] at Washington State Archives - index and images
* '''1969-2014''' {{RecordSearch|2759158|Washington Divorce Index, 1969-2014}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington Divorce Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1969-2017''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2245 Department of Health, Divorce Index, 1969-2017] at Washington State Archives - index and images


:[http://www.kelso.gov/departments-services/library Kelso Public Library], 314 Academy St., Kelso 98626 Phone: (360) 423-8110
== Research Facilities ==
{{WA Research Facilities Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Online Resources: (None found October 2013)
=== Archives ===
{{WA Archives Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Unique Collections:
=== FamilySearch Centers ===
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}


:[http://www.longviewlibrary.org/genealogy/index.php Longview Public Library], 1600 Louisiana Street, Longview 98632 Phone: (360) 442-5300
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/chehalis/2195-jackson-highway Centralia Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/longview/1721-30th-avenue Longview Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/morton/102-30-crumb-road Morton Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/or/st-helens/2755-sykes-road St Helens Oregon FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/stevenson/650-northwest-gropper-road Stevenson Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/vancouver/18214-northeast-18th-street Vancouver Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/vancouver/11101-northeast-119th-street Vancouver Washington North FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/vancouver/2223-nw-99th-st Vancouver Washington West FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/or/vernonia/1350-east-knott-street Vernonia Oregon FamilySearch Center]
*[https://www.ccgs-wa.org/ Clark County Genealogical Society Library] - an affiliate library


::Online Resources: [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~walcolgs/index.htm  Lower Columbia Genealogical Society]
=== Libraries ===
{{WA Libraries Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Unique Collections:
Resources for Cowlitz County are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the [[Washington Archives and Libraries|state]] (including [[Washington Archives and Libraries#University_Libraries_and_Special_Collections|universities]]), and the [[United States Archives and Libraries|nation]].<br><br>


:[http://fvrl.ent.sirsi.net/client/default/?rm=GENEALOGY1%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7Ctrue Woodland Community Library], 770 Park Street, Woodland 98674 Phone: (360) 225-2115
'''''Libraries'''''<br>
*'''Castle Rock Public Library'''<br>137 Cowlitz Street West<br>PO Box 1350 <br>Castle Rock, WA 98611<br>Phone: 360-274-6961<br>Email: [mailto:rocklibrary@hotmail.com rocklibrary@hotmail.com]<br>[http://ci.castle-rock.wa.us/library.htm Website]
*'''Kalama Public Library'''<br>312 N 1st<br>PO Box 576<br>Kalama, WA 98625<br> Phone: 360-673-4568<br>[https://www.kalamalibrary.com/ Website]
*'''Kelso Public Library'''<br>Three Rivers Mall<br>351 Three Rivers Drive, Suite 1263<br> Kelso, WA 98626<br>Phone: 360-423-8110<br>[https://www.kelso.gov/library Website]
*'''Longview Public Library'''<br>1600 Louisiana Street<br>Longview, WA 98632<br> Phone: 360-442-5300<br>[http://www.longviewlibrary.org/index.php Website]
*'''Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries'''<br>1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd.<br>Vancouver, WA  98663<br>Phone: 360-906-5000<br>[http://www.fvrl.org/ Website]


::Online Resources: Ancestry Library, Heritage Quest and others.
=== Museums ===
{{WA Museums Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Unique Collections:
== Societies ==
{{WA Societies Intro|Cowlitz}}


===== Museums  =====
'''Cowlitz County Historicial Society and Museum'''<br>405 Allen St.<br>Kelso, WA 98626<br>360-577-3119<br>[https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/218/Museum Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/cowlitzcountyhistoricalmuseum/events/?ref=page_internal Facebook]


===== Societies  =====
== Websites ==
{{WA Websites Intro|Cowlitz}}


=== Towns and Communities  ===
* [http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/wacowlitz/wacowlitz.html Cowlitz WAGenWeb Project]
* [http://usgwarchives.net/wa/cowlitz/cowlitz.htm USGenWeb Archives Project]
* [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections#RSID:5 Washington State Digital Archives]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150516083046/http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/USA/WA/Cowlitz/ Websites at RootsWeb - Cowlitz WA]
*{{FSC Place IDNum|2292|Washington|Cowlitz}} – 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.


See a list of towns and communities in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlitz_County,_Washington#Cities Cowlitz County] per Wikipedia.
== Research Guides ==
{{WA Research Guides Intro|Cowlitz}}


=== References ===
== References ==
<references />


<references /> {{Washington|Washington}}  
{{Washington|Washington}}


[[Category:Cowlitz_County,_Washington]]
[[Category:Cowlitz_County,_Washington]]
[[Category:Washington Counties]]

Latest revision as of 09:09, 28 May 2024

Guide to Cowlitz County, Washington ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

County Facts
County seat: Kelso
Organized: April 21, 1854
Parent County(s): Lewis
Neighboring Counties
Clark • Lewis • Skamania • Wahkiakum • Columbia (OR)
See County Maps
Courthouse
Washington, Cowlitz County Courthouse.png
Location Map
Wa-cowlitz.png

Mount St. Helens, Cowlitz County, Washington, United States Forest Service

County Information[edit | edit source]

Description[edit | edit source]

The county was named from the anglicized version of the Cowlitz Indian term, Cow-e-liske, meaning either "river of shifting sands" or "capturing the medicine spirit." The county is located in the southwest area of the state.[1]

County Courthouse[edit | edit source]

Cowlitz County Courthouse
312 SW 1st Ave
Kelso, WA 98626-1798
Phone 360-577-3016
Cowlitz County Website

County Auditor has marriage record from 1867, death record 1891-1907 and land records.
County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records from 1874, naturalization and adoption records from 1869. [2]

Cowlitz County, Washington Record Dates[edit | edit source]

Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records[3]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1891 1867 1891 1874 1854 1874 1850
*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. General compliance by 1917.

Record Loss[edit | edit source]

There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.

Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]

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:[5]

Cities
Unincorporated communities
  • Ariel
  • Bunker Hill
  • Caples
  • Caples Landing
  • Carrolls
  • Coal Creek
  • Cougar
  • Davis Terrace
  • Eufaula
  • Eufaula Heights
  • Evergreen Terrace
  • Harrington Place
  • Headquarters
  • Kid Valley
  • Oak Point
  • Olequa
  • Ostrander
  • Pigeon Springs
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Rocky Point
  • Rose Valley
Census-designated places
  • Ryderwood

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

History Timeline[edit | edit source]

  • The original inhabitants of the lands drained by the Cowlitz River were variously called The Cawalitz, Cow-a-lidsk, Cowalitsk, Cow-e-lis-kee, Cowelits, Cowlitch, Co-litsick, Kawelitsk, Kowlitz.
  • 1792 The first Europeans to visit the county were British seafarers.
  • 1805 November 5, Lewis and Clark camped at the mouth of the Kalama River, under orders from President Thomas Jefferson.
  • 1825 Permanent settlers arrived from the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) at Fort Vancouver.
  • 1828 The first white man credited with ascending the Cowlitz River was HBC Factor George Simpson.
  • 1820s (late)- 1830s The Cowlitz became an important artery for trappers and for communication with Fort Vancouver subposts at Cowlitz Farms and Nisqually Farms.
  • 1847 December 25, The first American to settle in the future Cowlitz County was Scotsman Peter W. Crawford (1822-1889), who took a Donation Claim on the left bank of the Cowlitz near the mouth of the Coweeman.
  • 1853 March 2, U.S. President Millard Fillmore establishes Washington Territory.
  • 1854 April 21, The Washington Territorial Legislature formed Cowlitz County.

Resources[edit | edit source]

Bible Records[edit | edit source]

Biographies[edit | edit source]

Biographical information is often found in Local Histories and in Genealogies (please see those headings). See also Washington Biography.

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

Cemeteries[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries of Cowlitz County, Washington online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online
Tombstone Transcriptions in Print (Often more complete)
List of Cemeteries in the County
See Washington Cemeteries for more information.

Census Records[edit | edit source]

See Washington Census for online censuses, including territorial. For more information, see United States Census.

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1860 406 —
1870 730 79.8%
1880 2,062 182.5%
1890 5,917 187.0%
1900 7,877 33.1%
1910 12,561 59.5%
1920 11,791 −6.1%
1930 31,906 170.6%
1940 40,155 25.9%
1950 53,369 32.9%
1960 57,801 8.3%
1970 68,616 18.7%
1980 79,548 15.9%
1990 82,119 3.2%
2000 92,948 13.2%
2010 102,410 10.2%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".
Federal:1910
Territorial: 1870, 1871, 1883, 1885, 1887.

Church Records[edit | edit source]

The information church records provide depends upon the church practices and the record keepers. Records may include names, ages, and dates of events such as baptism, marriage, or burial. See Washington Church Records.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint

  • Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Kelso

Lutheran

  • Records of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Castle Rock, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at Archives.com ($).

List of Churches and Church Parishes

Court Records[edit | edit source]

Your ancestors may be found in court records as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. Highly variable in personal information, court records can mention relatives, occupations, or pinpoint residences and dates. See Washington Court Records for the various courts used through the years.

Online Court Indexes and Records

  • 1853-1889 Cowlitz Frontier Justice. Part of "Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889 at Washington State Archives - index and images
The court procedures of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of the Washington Territory. The index has many abstracts that provide names and what is happening in disputes, settlements in civil and criminal cases as well as probate, equity and admiralty cases.

Directories[edit | edit source]

Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]

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

American Indians

Japanese

Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]

Genealogies[edit | edit source]

Many local libraries and societies have collections of family genealogies. Local histories or biographies often include brief genealogies of the featured persons. See also Washington Compiled Genealogies.

Guardianship[edit | edit source]

Guardianship of orphans or adults unable to manage their own affairs were handled by Probate or District courts. See Washington Court Records and Washington Probate Records.

Land and Property Records[edit | edit source]

Online Land Indexes and Records

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Local histories for Cowlitz County may include biographies, history of churches, schools, local government with names of officials, military information, and more. See Washington Local Histories.

Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]

LewisSkamaniaClarkWahkiakumColumbia County, ORWA COWLITZ.PNG
Click a neighboring county
for more resources

Migration[edit | edit source]

Most residents came to Washington from other states or crossed the border from Canada. (See Seattle Passenger Lists for those who came from other countries.) Although few other migration records exist, try:
• Censuses: (use birthdates and places of children as clues)
• Land Records: (1st deed may reveal previous residence)
• Death-related records of children may give town or county of birth
• Records of relatives and neighbors

Military Records[edit | edit source]

Indian Wars

World War I

World War II

  • World War II enlistments at The National Archives. Select search codes for state and county. These are partial lists. The NARA website cautions: "This series does not contain records of all World War II Army enlistees."

Japanese

Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]

Declarations of Intent before 1906 often include the nation of origin, foreign and "Americanized" names, residence, and date of arrival. See Washington Naturalization and Citizenship for more information. Note: Until 1922 in the United States, women's citizenship was based on that of their husbands.

Online Naturalization Indexes and Records

Newspapers[edit | edit source]

Small town newspapers provide historical content and contain obituaries, birth or death notices, legal notices, and community news, such as visits to or from out-of-town relatives. See Washington Newspapers for tips, resources, and details.

Obituaries[edit | edit source]

Obituaries may mention birth, marriage, spouse, parents, living family members, education, occupation, and more. See Washington Obituaries for state level collections and United States Obituaries for tips and insights.

Other Records[edit | edit source]

Public Records

Voting Records

Periodicals[edit | edit source]

Probate Records[edit | edit source]

Probate records identify heirs of the decedents, give the (approximate) death dates, and provide specifics about property holdings. The records were kept by the county judge.

These include wills, inheritance records, dockets, and other documents regarding property and estates of individuals who have died. See also Court Records for civil actions involving estates. Also see Washington Probate Records.

Online Probate Indexes and Records

School Records[edit | edit source]

Online School Indexes and Records

Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, school, tax, naturalization and other records.
School Registers are arranged by grade and gives names, ages, attendance.
School Censuses include names, birth dates, parents or guardians.

Social Security Records[edit | edit source]

Tax Records[edit | edit source]

Washington tax records complement land records and can supplement the years between censuses. There may be gaps of several years in the tax records of some counties. For more information, see the wiki page Washington Taxation.

Online Tax Indexes and Records

Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, school, tax, naturalization and other records.

Vital Records[edit | edit source]

In 1891, coroners, physicians, and midwives were to "return" births and deaths to the county auditor. Many went unrecorded. On July 1, 1907, the State Center for Health Statistics assumed this responsibility.[6]

Birth[edit | edit source]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Death[edit | edit source]

Divorce[edit | edit source]

The county clerk has the divorce records. To order certificates, see Washington State Department of Health.

Research Facilities[edit | edit source]

Archives[edit | edit source]

Listed below are archives in Cowlitz County. For state-wide facilities, see Washington Archives and Libraries.

FamilySearch Centers[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries

  • FamilySearch Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
  • FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a FamilySearch center.

Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries

Libraries[edit | edit source]

Local public libraries—even smaller ones—often have Unique Genealogical Collections that are not online for the area they serve. Many libraries in Washington have an area dedicated to local history and genealogy. Listed below are libraries in Cowlitz County. For state-wide library facilities, see Washington Archives and Libraries.

Resources for Cowlitz County are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the state (including universities), and the nation.

Libraries

  • Castle Rock Public Library
    137 Cowlitz Street West
    PO Box 1350
    Castle Rock, WA 98611
    Phone: 360-274-6961
    Email: rocklibrary@hotmail.com
    Website
  • Kalama Public Library
    312 N 1st
    PO Box 576
    Kalama, WA 98625
    Phone: 360-673-4568
    Website
  • Kelso Public Library
    Three Rivers Mall
    351 Three Rivers Drive, Suite 1263
    Kelso, WA 98626
    Phone: 360-423-8110
    Website
  • Longview Public Library
    1600 Louisiana Street
    Longview, WA 98632
    Phone: 360-442-5300
    Website
  • Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
    1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd.
    Vancouver, WA 98663
    Phone: 360-906-5000
    Website

Museums[edit | edit source]

Societies[edit | edit source]

Listed below are societies in Cowlitz County. For state-wide genealogical and historical societies, see Washington Societies.

Cowlitz County Historicial Society and Museum
405 Allen St.
Kelso, WA 98626
360-577-3119
Website
Facebook

Websites[edit | edit source]

Check back often with websites. Local societies and libraries may know of other websites.

Research Guides[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Cowlitz County, Washington," in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlitz_County,_Washington. accessed 15/07/2019
  2. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Clark County, Washington page 732, At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  3. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Cowlitz County, Washington . Page 732-735 At various libraries (WorldCat); 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), 733-734.
  4. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  5. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Cowlitz County, Washington," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlitz_County,_Washington, accessed 4 March 2019.
  6. ↑ Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Birth Records, About this Collection & Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Death Records About Death Records
v • d• e
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Extinct Co.
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