Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States Genealogy|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[Washington Genealogy|Washington]]'' [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] '''{{PAGENAME}}''' <br><br>Guide to '''Cowlitz County Washington ancestry, family history, and 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>
{{Locality
[[Image:{{WACowlitzSt.Helens}}]]
|Name=Cowlitz County
{| width="25%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|ID=395088
|-
|Level=2
| <center>'''County QuickStart:'''</center>
|Country=United States
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Census|Census]]
|CountryID=1
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Birth|Birth]]  
|Locality1=Washington
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Marriage|Marriage]]  
|Locality1id=373
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Divorce|Divorce]]
|Locality2=Cowlitz County
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Death|Death]]  
|Locality2id=395088
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Cemeteries|Cemeteries]]
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Washington, United States Genealogy|Washington]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy|Cowlitz County]]
}}


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


<br><br>{{DCWAmapbuttonR}} {{Infobox U.S. County  
{| style="width:18%; float:right"
| county = Cowlitz County
|-
| county_map = Wa-cowlitz.png
|
| state = Washington
<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Washington Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
| state_map = Washington.png
|-
| latd =  
|
| longd =  
<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
| founded year = 1854
|organized= April 21, 1854
| founded date = April 21
|county seat= Kelso
| seat = Kelso
|parent county= [[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy|Lewis ]]
| building image =
|variant spellings=
| building address =  
|county1= [[Clark County, Washington Genealogy|Clark]]
[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'''] }}
|county2= [[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy|Lewis]]
 
|county3= [[Skamania County, Washington Genealogy|Skamania]]
=== County Overview  ===
|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>
{{Tip|Before the newly-formed county was fully operational, search records of the parent county(s).}}
|county6=
 
|county7=
==== Parent County(s)  ====
|county8=
 
|county9=
'''Parent County:''' created 21 April 1854 from [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis ]]  
|county10=
 
|county courthouse= [[Image:Washington, Cowlitz County Courthouse.png|300px]]
'''County Seat:''' Kelso. See also [[{{PAGENAME}}#Towns_and_Communities|Towns and Communities]] in {{PAGENAME}}. For Courthouse, see [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives, libraries, etc.]]  
|county location in state= [[Image:Wa-cowlitz.png|185x185px]]
 
|adoption=
===== Boundary Changes  =====
}}
<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 ==


*[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>
=== Description ===
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>


==== Neighboring Counties  ====
=== County Courthouse ===
{{PAGENAME}}
{{WA Courthouse Intro|Cowlitz}}
is surrounded by: [[Clark County, Washington|Clark]] | [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis]] | [[Skamania County, Washington|Skamania]] | [[Wahkiakum County, Washington|Wahkiakum]] | [[Columbia County, Oregon Genealogy|Columbia County, Oregon]]
'''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>
<center>{{WACowlitz County Clickable Neighbors}}</center>  
==== Courthouse  ====


[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>  
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>


*[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28594 ''Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 8. Cowlitz County (Kelso)''] (If the link does not work, go to [http://www.ancestry.com/ ancestry.com] ($), click '''Search''', select '''Card Catalog''', paste Title into search box, click '''Search''')
=== Cowlitz County, Washington Record Dates  ===
 
{{WA Record Dates Intro|Cowlitz}}
See also [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives, libraries, etc.]] in {{PAGENAME}}.
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" border="1"
 
==== Dates of Major County Records  ====
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="2"
|-
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#ccff66" align="center" colspan="6" | '''Beginning dates for major county records'''<ref>Alice Eichholz, ''Red Book: American State, County and Town Sources'', 3rd ed. (Salt Lake City: Ancestry Pub., 2004), 733-734. {{WorldCat|55947869|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1185723|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27rb 2004}}.</ref>
| 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>'''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Birth|Birth]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Marriage|Marriage]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Death|Death]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[{{PAGENAME}}#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>'''[[{{PAGENAME}}#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>'''[[{{PAGENAME}}#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...''' '''[[{{PAGENAME}}#Church_Records|Church]] &#124; [[{{PAGENAME}}#Obituaries|Obituaries]] &#124; [[{{PAGENAME}}#Cemeteries|Cemeteries]]'''
| colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. General compliance by 1917.</center>
|}
|}


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


=== Topics for {{PAGENAME}} ===
|}
=== 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>
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Washington Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
*[https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/map/map.html#WA Washington Historical Borders - Map] at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; ''Also at:'' [http://www.mapofus.org/washington/ mapofus.org] - animated maps illustrating Washington county boundary changes
|}


{{WA Topics Intro}}  
=== Populated Places ===
{{WA Populated Places Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{Tip|Don't overlook {{FHL|United States, 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 [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives and Libraries]].}}
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>


==== Bible Records  ====
{{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>


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


==== Biography  ====
*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.


{{WA Biogs Intro}}  
== Resources ==
{{WA Resources Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Business and Commerce  ====
=== Bible Records ===
{{WA Bible Intro|Cowlitz}}


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


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


{{WA Cemeteries Intro}}  
=== Cemeteries ===
{{WA Cemeteries Intro|Cowlitz}}


{| width="89%" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;  "
|-
| bgcolor="#B2B2FF" colspan="3" | <center>'''{{PAGENAME}}''' cemeteries from [[Washington Cemeteries|state]] and [[United States Cemeteries|national]] resources</center>
|-
| width="30%" bgcolor="#CCFFFF" | <center>'''Online County-wide Name Searches''' </center>
| width="30%" bgcolor="#FFFFB8" | <center>'''Published Grave<br> Transcripts''' </center>
| bgcolor="#FFF1DC" | <center>'''Lists of Cemeteries'''<br>(Several will also link to names)</center>
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" | [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gsr&GSfn=&GSmn=&GSln=&GSbyrel=all&GSby=&GSdyrel=all&GSdy=&GScntry=4&GSst=50&GScnty=2960&GSgrid=&df=all&GSob=n FindAGrave] (Add a name to the search)
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" | {{FHL|United States, Washington, Cowlitz|place||disp=FamilySearch Library}} Click '''Cemeteries.''' Press space bar to select town
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=csr&CScn=&CScntry=4&CSst=50&CScnty=2960 FindAGrave]
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" | [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections#RSID:34 WA State Archives - Digital Collections] Click any cemetery for search window, select county, enter name(s).
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" | [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Cowlitz+County%2C+Washington%2C+cemeteries&qt=results_page WorldCat]
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://interment.net/us/wa/cowlitz.htm Interment.net]
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" | [http://billiongraves.com/pages/search/index.php#country=United+States&state=Washington&county=Cowlitz&search_text=&action=search_cemetery Billion Graves] Switch to "Person Lookup"
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" | [[Washington Periodicals]]
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections#RSID:34 Washington State Digital Archives] Put county name in '''Search''' box
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" | [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~walcolgs/cowlitz.htm Cowlitz County Genealogical Society] online and available books
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" |
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/WA/Cowlitz Linkpendium]
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" |
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Cowlitz County, Washington''' online and in print</center>
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" |
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://billiongraves.com/pages/search/index.php#country=United+States&state=Washington&county=Cowlitz&search_text=&action=search_cemetery Billion Graves]
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" |  
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" |
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://usgwtombstones.org/washington/cowlitz.htm USGenWeb Tombstone Project]
*[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]
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" |  
| 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="#FFFFca" |  
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" | [http://genealogytrails.com/wash/cowlitz/index.html Genealogy Trails]
* {{FSC|United States, Washington, Cowlitz - Cemeteries|subject|subject-id=548396972|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Cowlitz+County%2C+Washington%2C+cemeteries&qt=results_page WorldCat]
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#E0FFFF" |  
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
| bgcolor="#FFFFca" |
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
| bgcolor="#FFF8DC" |  
* [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="3" | <center>See [[Washington Cemeteries#Online_Resources|Washington Cemeteries]] for details about these and other sites. </center>
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Washington Cemeteries|Washington Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
|}
|}
*{{FSC|505285|item|disp=Cowlitz County Genealogical Resources}} by Cowlitz County Genealogical Society at FamilySearch - images only


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


==== Census ====
{{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] ($)
{{Block indent|'''Federal''':[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/118 1910]|2}}
{{Block indent|'''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]. |2}}


{{WA Census}}
*'''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


*Census indexes at [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/ Washington State Digital Archives]: (Free)
=== Church Records ===
**Federal:[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/118 1910]
{{WA Church Intro|Cowlitz}}
**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]
**These were indexed by local societies and individuals.


{{FYI|Censuses indexed by societies or groups in the area may be more accurate, due to familiarity with local surnames.}}  
'''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>
{{Block indent|Kelso|2}}


==== Church Records  ====
'''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] ($).


{{WA Church Intro}}
'''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]]


*Church records (microfilmed originals or published transcripts) for {{PAGENAME}} are listed in the {{FHL|United States, Washington, Okanogan|place|disp=FamilySearch catalog}}. (Press space bar to select town.)
=== Court Records ===
{{WA Court Intro|Cowlitz}}


===== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  =====
''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 & images
{{Block indent|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.|2}}
*'''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 & 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 & images ($)


'''LDS Ward and Branch Records'''
=== Directories ===
{{WA Directories Intro|Cowlitz}}


*Kelso
*'''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


===== Lutheran =====
=== Emigration and Immigration ===
{{WA Emigration Intro|Cowlitz}}


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


==== Court Records ====
'''''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


{{WACourtIntro}}
'''''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 & images; Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946


*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2002293 Cowlitz County Civil Court Dockets, 1876-1951] ''Cowlitz County Civil Court Dockets, 1876-1951'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
=== Funeral Homes  ===
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington,_Cowlitz_County_Civil_Court_Dockets_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these records.
{{WA Funeral Homes Intro|Cowlitz}}
 
{| style="width:100%; vertical-align:top;"
*[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 Digital Archives. (Free Index, no 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.
|
 
<ul class="column-spacing-halfscreen" style="padding-right:5px;">
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1288 Power of Attorney Records 1986 - present] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
<li>[https://www.columbiafuneralservice.com/ Columbia Funeral Service] in Longview</li>
 
<li>[https://www.covenantfuneralhome.com/ Covenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service] in Kelso</li>
*[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28753 ''Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 8. Cowlitz County (Kelso)''] (If the link does not work, go to [http://www.ancestry.com/ ancestry.com] ($), click '''Search''', select '''Card Catalog''', paste Title into search box, click '''Search''')
<li>[https://www.dahlmcvicker.com/ Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home] in Kelso</li>
 
<li>[https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Hills-Crematory-Cemetery/111623875545150 Green Hills Crematory-Cemetery] in Kelso</li>
==== Directories  ====
<li>[https://www.hubbardfh.com/ Hubbard Funeral Home] in Castle Rock</li>
 
<li>[https://www.longviewmemorialpark.com/ Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park] in Longview</li>
{{WA Dirs Intro}}
<li>[https://www.woodlandfh.com/ Woodland Funeral Home] in Woodland</li>
 
</ul>
==== Emigration and Immigration  ====
|}
 
{{WA Emig Intro}}
 
==== Ethnic, Political or Religious Groups  ====
 
{{WA Ethnic etc. Intro}}
 
===== American Indian  =====
 
===== Japanese  =====
 
*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.
 
==== Funeral Homes ====
 
{{WA Funeral Homes Intro}}
 
==== Gazetteers  ====
 
{{WA Gazetteers Intro}}
 
==== Genealogy  ====


{{CommunityTree}} {{WA Genealogy Intro}}  
=== Genealogies  ===
{{WA Genealogies Intro|Cowlitz}}


==== Guardianship ====
=== Guardianship ===
{{WA Guardianship Intro|Cowlitz}}


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


==== History  ====
''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 & images
*'''1986-2023''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1287 Cowlitz County Auditor, Plats and Surveys, 1986-2023] at Washington State Archives - index & 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 & 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]


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


*[http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/wacowlitz/logging.html "Logging Industry in Cowlitz Co., Washington "] online at DrizzleHosting.com  
*[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://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://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 & images ($)


<br>
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
 
{{WA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{WA Cowlitz County}}}}
===== History Timeline  =====
{{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]]
[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.
 
*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.
*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.
 
==== Land and Property  ====
 
{{WA Land Intro}}
 
*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.
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1285 Recorded Land Records 1986-2012] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1287 Recorded Plats and Surveys 1986 - 2012] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1290 Recorded Agreements and Contracts 1986 - 2012] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
 
==== Maps  ====
 
{{WA Maps Intro}}  
 
[[Image:Wacowlitz.jpg|300px|Wacowlitz.jpg]] <br>{{WAMapInfo}}  
 
==== Migration  ====
 
{{WA Migration Intro}}  
 
==== Military  ====
 
{{WA Military Intro}}
 
*[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.
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1286 Recorded Military Records] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
 
==== Naturalization and Citizenship  ====
 
{{WA Naturalization Intro}}
 
*[https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecords%2Fwaypoint%2FM9M2-JH5%3A1617680570%3Fcc%3D1932554 Washington County Naturalization Records, 1850-1982] at ''Washington, County Naturalization Records, 1850-1982'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington,_County_Naturalization_Records_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these records.
**Included in this collection: Application &amp; oaths 1938-1950; Declaration on intention 1906-1951; Final record 1890-1916, Vol 1 &amp; 2; Index cards 1930-1979 Aalberberg, Gerardus Johannes Marinus-Riney, Inez Marie; Index cards 1930-1979 Riney, Inez Marie-Zybach, Mrs Lenora Christine; Jouranl of citizenship 1886-1890; Petition records 1906-1950; Petition records index 1910-1950.
 
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/454 Naturalization Records, 1856-1980] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
**The records include petitions, declarations of intention, certificates, depositions and final papers.
 
==== Newspapers  ====
 
{{WA Newspapers Intro}}
 
*[[{{PAGENAME}} Newspapers]] (Sortable by towns, years, and titles)
 
{{WA Newspaper abstracts|Cowlitz}}
 
==== Obituaries  ====
 
{{WA Obituaries Intro}}
 
==== Periodicals  ====
 
{{WA Periodicals Intro}}
 
==== Probate Records  ====
 
{{WA Probate Intro|Cowlitz}}
 
*[https://familysearch.org/search/image/viewer#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecords%2Fwaypoint%2FM9HM-2NH%3A1972273221%3Fcc%3D1910364 Will index 1882-1914] Part of ''Washington, County Records, 1856-2009'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
**See what [[Washington Probate Records#Record_Content|genealogical information]] may be in these records.
 
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1454946 County Probate Case Files, 1832-1950] Part of: ''Washington, County Probate Records, 1853-1929'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington,_County_Probate_Case_Files_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records)#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these records.
 
==== Public Records  ====
 
{{WA Public Records}}
 
*Cowlitz [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-22029-19107-23?cc=1404287&wc=12809203 Prior to 1965 Postmaster Index]. Part of ''Washington, Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965'', [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1&countryId=58 FamilySearch Historical Collections] for Washington. (Free, browse images)
 
==== School Records  ====
 
{{WA School Intro}}
 
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1910364 County Records, 1856-2009] ''Washington, County Records, 1856-2009'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington,_County_Records_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these 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.
 
==== Taxation  ====
 
{{WA Tax Intro}}
 
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1910364 County Records, 1856-2009] ''Washington, County Records, 1856-2009'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. <br>(Free, browse images)
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington,_County_Records_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these records.
**Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, school, '''tax''', naturalization and other records.
 
==== Vital Records  ====
 
{{WA vital intro}}
 
===== Birth  =====
 
{{WA Birth Intro}}
 
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/947 Birth Register, 1891-1907] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection.(Free)
 
{{WA Birth Other Records}}
 
===== Marriage  =====
 
{{WA Marriage Intro}}
 
*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
 
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1158 Marriage Records, 1986-2012] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection (Free)
 
{{FYI|Witnesses or affiants may be relatives or close family friends. The affidavits also include physician's certificates.}}
 
===== Divorce  =====
 
{{WA Divorce Intro}}


*[https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecords%2Fwaypoint%2FMMB4-BQL%3A458679640%3Fcc%3D1930340 County Divorce Records, 1852-1950]. ''Washington, County Divorce Records, 1852-1950'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
=== Migration ===
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington_County_Divorce_Records_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these records.
{{WA Migration Intro|Cowlitz}}


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


{{WA Death Intro}}
*'''1885-1907''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/476 Military Department, National Guard Enlistment Register, 1885-1907] at Washington State Archives - index & images


*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1454923 Washington, Death Certificates, 1907-1960] ''Washington, Death Certificates, 1907-1960'' at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
'''''Indian Wars'''''
**See what [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Washington,_Death_Certificates_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29#Record_Content genealogical information] may be in these records.
*'''1855-1856''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/495 Military Department, Indian War Muster Rolls, 1855-1856] at Washington State Archives - index & images


*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/334 Death Returns 1898-1907] at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
'''''World War I'''''
* '''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


==== Voting Registers ====
'''''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 Voting 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 & images; Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946


==== Websites  ====
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{WA Naturalization Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{WA Websites Intro}}  
''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 & images


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
=== Newspapers ===
|-
{{WA Newspapers Intro|Cowlitz}}
| width="100%" colspan="3" bgcolor="#ADFF85" | <center>'''Sites with online indexes or images of records''' </center>
|-
| width="30%" | [http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/wacowlitz/wacowlitz.html Cowlitz WAGenWeb Project]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://usgwarchives.net/wa/cowlitz/cowlitz.htm USGenWeb Archives Project]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections#RSID:5 Washington State Digital Archives]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Includes indexes, some linked to images.
*Type county name, click '''Search''', then select a collection.
*Collections were posted to the appropriate headings for this Wiki page in December, 2013.


|-
*'''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 ($)
| width="30%" | [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1&countryId=58 FamilySearch Historical Collections]
*'''1855-2009''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10633/washington-newspapers-1855-2009?s=275764761 Washington Newspapers, 1855-2009] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
| width="10%" | Free
*[[Cowlitz County, Washington Newspapers]] - List of known newspapers for the county, including town and years published for each newspaper
| width="60%" | Search indexes or browse images at FamilySearch.org.
*[https://washingtondigitalnewspapers.org/ Washington Digital Newspaper] at Washington State Library
*Click "Last Updated." Collections through December 2013 have been posted to the appropriate topics for this Wiki page.


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


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
=== Other Records ===
|-
{{WA Other Records Intro|Cowlitz}}
| width="100%" colspan="3" bgcolor="#94FFFF" | <center>'''Sites that search for links pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
|-
| width="30%" | [http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/USA/WA/Cowlitz/ Web Sites at RootsWeb - Cowlitz WA]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/WA/Cowlitz/ Linkpendium]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/wa/counties/cowlitz/ CyndisList]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.stateofus.com/washington/cowlitz-county/ StateofUS.com]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | "CowlitzCounty, Washington Facts" (mis-labeled "Cowlitz County, Alabama Facts")
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
'''''Public Records'''''<br>
|-
* '''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
| width="100%" colspan="2" bgcolor="#FFFF66" | <center>'''Major catalogs for ''hard copy'' collections of {{PAGENAME}}''' <br>Books, microfilm, or manuscripts of genealogical records</center>
|-
| width="30%" | {{FHL|United States, Washington, Cowlitz|place|disp=FamilySearch catalog}}
| width="70%" | Select topics. To select towns, add a comma to the search box.
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=cowlitz+county+washington&dblist=638&fq=s0%3A28000000&qt=facet_s0%3A WorldCat]
| width="70%" | To find nearby libraries that have specific items, see [[WorldCat Online Catalog]].
|-
| width="30%" | [http://smartcat.acpl.lib.in.us/?q=cowlitz+county+Washington Allen County Public Library] (Indiana)
|
|-
| width="100%" colspan="2" | <center>'''See also''' [[{{PAGENAME}}#Libraries|local libraries]] and [[Washington Archives and Libraries]]</center>
|}


=== Archives, Libraries, etc.  ===
'''''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


{{WA Archives Intro}}  
=== Periodicals ===
{{WA Periodicals Intro|Cowlitz}}
* [[Washington Periodicals]]


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


*Check websites and catalogs, such as items in {{FHL|United States, 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}}
''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.
* '''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]


===== Family History Centers  =====
=== School Records ===
{{WA Schools Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}  
''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
{{Block indent|Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, '''school''', tax, naturalization and other records.|2}}
{{Block indent|School Registers are arranged by grade and gives names, ages, attendance.|2}}
{{Block indent|School Censuses include names, birth dates, parents or guardians.|2}}


*[[Longview Washington Family History Center]] 1721 30th Ave., Longview, WA 98632-340 United States [https://www.google.com/maps/preview#!q=+1721+30th+Ave.%2C+Longview%2C+WA+98632-340+United+States+&data=!4m15!2m14!1m13!1s0x54946c599fadf149%3A0xea758992e4a10504!3m8!1m3!1d3158!2d-117.9675647!3d46.3111286!3m2!1i1425!2i880!4f13.1!4m2!3d46.143231!4d-122.963393 Location Map]
=== 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


===== Libraries  =====
=== Tax Records ===
{{WA Tax Intro|Cowlitz}}


{{WALibraries Intro}}  
''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
{{Block indent|Includes collections of various records: vital, probate, school, '''tax''', naturalization and other records.|2}}


<br>
=== Vital Records ===
{{WA Vital Intro|Cowlitz}}


*[http://ci.castle-rock.wa.us/library.htm Castle Rock Public Library]  
==== Birth ====
**Online Resources: (None found Oct. 2013)
{{WA Birth Intro|Cowlitz}}
**Unique Collections: (help needed from each branch)
*'''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 & 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 & images


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


::Online Resources: American Ancestry Records, Family History Records and Vital Records
*'''1801-1962''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=washington%2cwa Washington, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($)
*'''1854-1887''' [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/Search.cfm Western States Marriage Index] at BYU Special Collections and Family History
*'''1855-2008''' {{RecordSearch|1534448|Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1865-Onward''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20617/washington-marriages?s=275764761 Washington Marriages] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1986-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1158 Cowlitz County Auditor, Marriage Records, 1986-2022] at Washington State Archives - index & images
*'''1968-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2601 Department of Health, Marriage Certificates, 1968-1997] at Washington State Archives - index & images
*'''1969-2022''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2208 Department of Health, Marriage Index, 1969-2022] at Washington State Archives - index & images


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


:[http://www.kelso.gov/departments-services/library Kelso Public Library], 314 Academy St., Kelso 98626 Phone: (360) 423-8110
* '''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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & images
*'''1919-1921''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2711 Department of Health, Fetal Death Records, 1919-1921] at Washington State Archives - index & 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 & images


::Online Resources: (None found October 2013)
==== 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 & 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 & images


::Unique Collections:
== Research Facilities ==
{{WA Research Facilities Intro|Cowlitz}}


:[http://www.longviewlibrary.org/genealogy/index.php Longview Public Library], 1600 Louisiana Street, Longview 98632 Phone: (360) 442-5300
=== Archives ===
{{WA Archives Intro|Cowlitz}}


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


::Unique Collections:
*[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


:[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 ===
{{WA Libraries Intro|Cowlitz}}


::Online Resources: Ancestry Library, Heritage Quest and others.
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>


::Unique Collections:
'''''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]


===== Museums =====
=== Museums ===
{{WA Museums Intro|Cowlitz}}


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


===== Societies  =====
'''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]


{{WA Societies Intro}}  
== 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 09:18, 19 August 2025


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 & 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
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