Lewis County, Washington Genealogy: Difference between revisions
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| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]] | | link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]] | ||
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{| | Guide to '''Lewis County, Washington ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records. | ||
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<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Washington Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center> | |||
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<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016 | |||
|organized= December 21, 1845 | |||
|county seat= Chehalis | |||
|parent county= [[Clark County, Washington Genealogy|Clark]] | |||
|variant spellings= | |||
|county1= [[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy | Cowlitz]] {{ • }} [[Grays Harbor County, Washington Genealogy | Grays Harbor]] {{ • }} [[Pacific County, Washington Genealogy | Pacific]] {{ • }} [[Pierce County, Washington Genealogy | Pierce]] {{ • }} [[Skamania County, Washington Genealogy | Skamania]] {{ • }} [[Thurston County, Washington Genealogy | Thurston]] {{ • }} [[Wahkiakum County, Washington Genealogy | Wahkiakum]] {{ • }} [[Yakima County, Washington Genealogy | Yakima]]<br><center>[[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center> | |||
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| | |county courthouse= [[Image:Washington, Lewis County Courthouse.png|300px]] | ||
| | |county location in state= [[Image:Wa-lewis.png|185x185px]] | ||
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<br>[[Image:Lower Falls Lewis River.jpg |thumb|right|270px|<center>Lower Falls Lewis River, Lewis County, Washington</center>]] | |||
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<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div> | |||
== County Information == | |||
==== | |||
=== | === Description === | ||
The county was named for Meriwether Lewis. The county is located in the southwest area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in ''https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington.'' accessed 18/07/2019</ref> | |||
=== County Courthouse === | |||
{{WA Courthouse Intro|Lewis}} | |||
'''Lewis County Courthouse'''<br>345 West Main Street<br>Chehalis, WA 98532<br>Phone 360-740-1333<br>[https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/clerk/court-records/ Courthouse Website]<br><br> | |||
Records from 1848 to the present County Auditor has birth and death records 1891-1907 and marriage records from 1850. <br>County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records from 1870’s. <ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Lewis County, Washington page 733, {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref> | |||
=== Lewis County, Washington Record Dates === | |||
{{WA Record Dates Intro|Lewis}} | |||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for | | 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), Lewis 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="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]''' | | width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]''' | ||
| Line 87: | Line 70: | ||
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1850 | | width="14.2%" align="center" |1850 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. | | colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. General compliance by 1917.</center> | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Record Loss === | |||
{{WA Record Loss Intro|Lewis}} | |||
{| | |||
|- | |||
| | |||
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county. | There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county. | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Boundary Changes === | |||
{{WA Boundary Changes Intro|Lewis}} | |||
{| | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
* '''Parent County(s):''' Created from [[Clark County, Washington Genealogy|Clark]] county on 21 December 1845<ref>The Evolution of Washington Counties by Newton Carl Abbott, Fred E. Carver, 1979. Published by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society and Klickitat County Genealogical Society.</ref> | |||
* '''County Seat:''' Chehalis<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]<br> | |||
*'''1790-1897''' animated maps illustrating Washington county boundary changes | |||
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#LEWIS Lewis County, Washington Historical Boundary Changes] - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library | |||
|} | |} | ||
=== | === Populated Places === | ||
{{WA Populated Places Intro|Lewis}} | |||
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://Washington.hometownlocator.com/wa/Lewis Hometown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington, | For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://Washington.hometownlocator.com/wa/Lewis Hometown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington, | ||
| Line 600: | Line 114: | ||
<!--towns column-------------------> | <!--towns column-------------------> | ||
| towns-col1=<div> | | towns-col1=<div> | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe_Ell,_Washington Pe Ell]</div> | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe_Ell,_Washington Pe Ell]</div> | ||
| towns-col2= | | towns-col2= | ||
| towns-col3= | | towns-col3= | ||
| Line 687: | Line 201: | ||
<p>‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties</p> | <p>‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties</p> | ||
=== | === History Timeline === | ||
{{WA Historical Timeline Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*Native Americans calling themselves Chehalis and Meshall lived along the banks of the Chehalis River. | |||
*'''1818-1846''' The United States and Great Britain jointly occupied Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. | |||
*'''1838''' The Hudson's Bay Company established the Puget Sound Agricultural Company. | |||
*'''1838''' Late, Cowlitz Farms, a part of the Puget Sound Agricultural Company, represented the first white settlement in the future Lewis County. | |||
*'''1845''' December 21, The Oregon Territorial Legislature delineated Lewis County. | |||
*'''1853''' March 2, U.S. President Millard Fillmore establishes {{wpd|Washington Territory|Washington Territory}}. | |||
*'''1855''' February, Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens convinced coastal tribes to sign the Quinault Treaty with the U.S. government. | |||
== Resources == | |||
{{WA Resources Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Bible Records === | |||
{{WA Bible Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Biographies === | |||
{{WA Biographies Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations === | |||
{{WA Business Records Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''1996-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1550 Lewis County Auditor, Professional License Records, 1996-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
* '''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 | |||
=== Cemeteries === | |||
{{WA Cemeteries Intro|Lewis}} | |||
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%; " | |||
|- | |||
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Lewis County, Washington''' online and in print</center> | |||
|- | |||
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center> | |||
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" | | |||
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Lewis+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_2973 Find a Grave] | |||
* [http://usgwtombstones.org/washington/lewis.htm WA Tombstone Transcription Project] | |||
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Washington&cemetery_county=Lewis&year_range=5&size=15 BillionGraves] | |||
* [http://usgwarchives.net/wa/lewis/lewis.htm USGenWeb Archives] | |||
* [http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/walewis/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|478531|subject-id|disp=FamilySearch Library}} | |||
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Lewis+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=Lewis+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_2973 Find a Grave] | |||
* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=396061&reqParentsLabel=Lewis%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> | |||
|} | |||
=== Census Records === | |||
{{WA Census Intro|Lewis}} | |||
{{Historical populations | |||
|type = USA | |||
|heading = Census | |||
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".] | |||
|1850 |558 | |||
|1860 |384 | |||
|1870 |888 | |||
|1880 |2600 | |||
|1890 |11499 | |||
|1900 |15157 | |||
|1910 |32127 | |||
|1920 |36840 | |||
|1930 |40034 | |||
|1940 |41393 | |||
|1950 |43755 | |||
|1960 |41858 | |||
|1970 |45467 | |||
|1980 |56025 | |||
|1990 |59358 | |||
|2000 |68600 | |||
|2010 |75455 | |||
}} | |||
*Census indexes at [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/ Washington State Archives] | |||
::'''Federal:''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/128 1910] | |||
::'''Territorial:''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/405 1847], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1398 1850],[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/411 1851],[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/187 1857], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/170 1871], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/160 1883], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/413 1887], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/404 1889]. | |||
::'''State-funded:''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/868 1892] | |||
* '''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 | |||
*'''1850-1914''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/70878/ Web: Washington, U.S., Various County Census Records, 1850-1914] at Ancestry (Free) | |||
=== Church Records === | |||
{{WA Church Intro|Lewis}} | |||
'''Assembly of God'''<br> | |||
*They do not have records, nor do they send records to a central repository. | |||
'''Catholic Church'''<br> | |||
*Old records had been sent to the Archdiocese in Seattle. | |||
*Local churches have only current records but that because the persons are still living, all local records are private and not for the public. | |||
*Anyone researching would have to contact the archdiocese. There is a fee. | |||
'''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'''<br> | |||
*Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Chehalis | |||
'''Lutheran'''<br> | |||
*'''1781-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969] at Ancestry — index & images ($) | |||
'''''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''''<br> | |||
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=396061&reqParentsLabel=Lewis%2C%20Washington%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]''': Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]] | |||
*''Contact local churches for possible records.''<br> | |||
=== Court Records === | |||
{{WA Court Intro|Lewis}} | |||
''Online Court Indexes and Records''<br> | |||
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28754 ''Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 21. Lewis County (Chehalis)''] at Ancestry ($) | |||
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1549 Power of Attorney Records 1968 - present] at Washington State Archives. | |||
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/210 Lewis Frontier Justice.] Part of "''Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889'' at Washington State Archives. (Free Index, no images) | |||
::The court procedure of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of 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 === | |||
{{WA Directories Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''1914-1923''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/991 R. L. Polk & Co., Lewis and Pacific Counties Directory, 1914-1923] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
=== Emigration and Immigration === | |||
{{WA Emigration Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups === | |||
{{WA Ethnic Groups Intro|Lewis}} | |||
'''''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 | |||
'''''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 | |||
=== Funeral Homes === | |||
{{WA Funeral Homes Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*Boone, Brown, Sticklin | |||
*'''1895-1920''' Mortuary Records | |||
*'''1895-1904''' Sticklin funeral Records | |||
*'''1904-1908''' Sticklin Funeral Records | |||
=== Genealogies === | |||
{{WA Genealogies Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Guardianship === | |||
{{WA Guardianship Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Land and Property Records === | |||
{{WA Land Intro|Lewis}} | |||
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br> | |||
* '''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 | |||
* '''1850-1854''' {{RecordSearch|1762885|Washington, County Land Records, 1850-1954}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Land Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only | |||
::'''NOTE''' These are labeled as direct (grantor/seller) and indirect (grantee/buyer) indexes, yet several include copies of the deed books. After selecting the years you need, explore various images to determine if the deeds are included. | |||
*'''1965-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1545 Lewis County Auditor, Recorded Land Records, 1965-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
*'''1965-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1546 Lewis County Auditor, Recorded Agreements and Contracts, 1965-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
*'''1974-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1548 Lewis County Auditor, Plats and Surveys, 1974-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and 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] | |||
=== Local Histories === | |||
{{WA Histories Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*[http://www.stateofus.com/washington/lewis-county/ "Lewis County, Washington Facts"] at Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness | |||
*[http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/walewis/resources.html "Lewis County Resources and Links "] at WAGenWEb | |||
'''Online County Histories'''<br> | |||
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28742 ''A history of Winlock, Washington''] at Ancestry ($) | |||
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/28754/ ''Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 21. Lewis County (Chehalis)''] at Ancestry ($) | |||
=== Maps and Gazetteers === | |||
{{WA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{WA Lewis County}}}} | |||
{{WA Maps Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=396061&reqParentsLabel=Lewis%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]] | |||
=== Migration === | |||
{{WA Migration Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Military Records === | |||
{{WA Military Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''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://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1547 Lewis County Auditor, Recorded Military Records] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
'''''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 | |||
'''''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 | |||
'''''World War II''''' | |||
'''''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 | |||
=== Naturalization and Citizenship === | |||
{{WA Naturalization Intro|Lewis}} | |||
''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 | |||
* '''1853-1971''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1556 Lewis County Clerk, Naturalization Records, 1853-1971] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
=== Newspapers === | |||
{{WA Newspapers Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''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 ($) | |||
*'''1855-2009''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10633/washington-newspapers-1855-2009?s=275764761 Washington Newspapers, 1855-2009] at MyHeritage — index & images ($) | |||
*[https://washingtondigitalnewspapers.org/?a=cl&cl=CL1&sp=DH&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN------- Daily Hub] at Washington Digital Newspapers | |||
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=51233 ''Daily Chronicle (Centralia, Washington)''] | |||
*[http://commons.wikimedia.org/ ''Chehalis Bee-Nugget (Chehalis, Washington)''] | |||
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6671 ''Centralia Chronicle Advertiser (Centralia, Washington)''] ($), click '''Search''', select '''Card Catalog''', paste Title into search box, click '''Search''') | |||
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6670 ''Centralia Chronicle (Centralia, Washington)''] ($), click '''Search''', select '''Card Catalog''', paste Title into search box, click '''Search''') | |||
*[https://washingtondigitalnewspapers.org/ Washington Digital Newspaper] at Washington State Library | |||
*[[Lewis County, Washington Newspapers]] - List of known newspapers for the county, including town and years published for each newspaper | |||
=== Obituaries === | |||
{{WA Obituaries Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Other Records === | |||
{{WA Other Records Intro|Lewis}} | |||
'''''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 | |||
'''''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 | |||
=== Periodicals === | |||
{{WA Periodicals Intro|Lewis}} | |||
* [[Washington Periodicals]] | |||
=== Probate Records === | |||
{{WA Probate Intro|Lewis}} | |||
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br> | |||
* '''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] | |||
=== School Records === | |||
{{WA Schools Intro|Lewis}} | |||
''Online School Indexes and Records''<br> | |||
* '''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. | |||
*'''1891-1932''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2454 Lewis County Historical School Districts, Registers and Censuses, 1891-1932] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
::The school census from 1907 and older has just an age for each student as well as their parents or guardians. Starting in 1908, the actual birthdate for each student is listed. | |||
::The districts are listed by a number that was assigned to them by ESD 113 (The governing body for Lewis County and surrounding counties). If you don't know what school district the parents were in, it can be hard to decide where you need to look. | |||
:Schools: | |||
*'''1918-1992''' Adna | |||
*'''1911-1928''' Twin Oaks | |||
*'''1920-1933''' Brier Hill | |||
*'''2883-1983''' Evaline (2books) | |||
*'''1860-1939''' Knob | |||
*'''1925-1975''' Centralia College | |||
*'''1936''', '''1950''', and '''1853-1932''' Greenhill - The Lewis County History Museum has a binder titled: GREENHILL SCHOOL – “The new leaf '''1936''' State training school,” “The new leaf '''1950''',” and a leaflet of the "History of Washington state Human resources of '''1853-1932'''.” The two New Leaf pamphlets were written by boys at the school.<br> | |||
*Name of the schoolhouse (Schools in Washington state) | |||
*Lewis County School Review | |||
*'''1935''' Early Schools of the Washington Territory | |||
*'''1908-2010''' School annuals starting from '''1908-2010''' | |||
=== 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 | |||
=== Tax Records === | |||
{{WA Tax Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Vital Records === | |||
{{WA Vital Intro|Lewis}} | |||
==== Birth ==== | |||
{{WA Birth Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''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 | |||
*'''1852-1963''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20222/washington-births?s=275764761 Washington, Births] at MyHeritage — index & images ($) | |||
*'''1871-1921''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2600 Department of Health, Delayed Birth Records] at Washington State Archives - index and images; includes some earlier and later dates | |||
*'''1873-1965''' {{RecordSearch|3418468|Washington, County Birth Registers, 1873-1965}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Birth Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images | |||
*'''1891-1907''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1925 Lewis County Auditor, Birth Returns, 1891-1907] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
*'''1891-1907''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/867 Lewis County Auditor, Birth Register, 1891-1907] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
==== Marriage ==== | |||
{{WA Marriage Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''1801-1962''' [https://www.findmypast.com/articles/world-records/full-list-of-united-states-records/birth-marriage-and-death/washington-county-deaths-1891-1907 Washington, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($) | |||
*'''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; Includes: Marriage applications 1939-1991; Marriage certificates 1847-1900; Marriage register 1891-1938; Marriage returns 1914-1968. | |||
*'''1847-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1020 Lewis County Auditor, Marriage Records, 1847-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
*'''1855-2008''' {{RecordSearch|1534448|Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & 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 | |||
*'''1969-2014''' {{RecordSearch|2761120|Washington Marriage Index, 1969-2014}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index | |||
*'''1969-2022''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2208 Department of Health, Marriage Index, 1969-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images | |||
==== Death ==== | |||
{{WA Death Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''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 | |||
*'''1891-1906''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/866 Lewis County Auditor, Death Records, 1891-1906] 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 | |||
*'''1916-1998''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2375 Lewis County Health Department, Burial Transit Permits] 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 | |||
==== Divorce ==== | |||
{{WA Divorce Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''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 | |||
== Research Facilities == | |||
{{WA Research Facilities Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== Archives === | |||
{{WA Archives Intro|Lewis}} | |||
=== FamilySearch Centers === | |||
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}} | |||
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/chehalis/2195-jackson-highway Centralia Washington FamilySearch Center] | |||
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/elma/702-east-main-street Elma 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/wa/olympia/1116-yew-avenue-northeast Olympia Washington FamilySearch Center] | |||
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/puyallup/13420-94th-avenue-east South Hill Washington FamilySearch Center] | |||
*[https://www.naamnw.org/ Northwest African American Museum] - an affiliate library | |||
== Libraries == | |||
{{WA Libraries Intro|Lewis}} | |||
Resources for Lewis 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> | |||
*'''Timberland Regional Library - Lewis County''' | |||
::[https://www.trl.org/locations Website]<br> | |||
::[https://www.trl.org/node/14897?topics=57 Reference Database Results] | |||
*'''Centralia Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*A selection of Veterans' History Project DVDs on local veterans (contact library for details) | |||
::*Polk Directories for Pacific and Lewis Counties, and Centralia and Chehalis from 1912 to present | |||
::*A selection of individual family histories and histories about the Wobbly War (contact library for details) | |||
::*A selection of individual family histories and histories about the founding of Centralia (contact library for details) | |||
::*The Chronicle (county-wide newspaper) from 1887 to 2010 on microfilm.<br> | |||
*'''Chehalis Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*Maintains an uncatalogued collection of local historical and family photos which they will hand search upon request without charge.<br> | |||
*'''Salkum Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*Maintains local history maps as well as Lewis County and local historical reference materials.<br> | |||
*'''Morton Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*Maintains local history resources.<br> | |||
*'''Packwood Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*Maintains a link through the Timberland Library website for doing your family genealogy in the Packwood area.<br> | |||
::*'''Toledo Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*Maintains a room at the library dedicated to the history of Toledo and some Lewis County history.<br> | |||
*'''Winlock Timberland Library'''<br> | |||
::*Maintains some reference materials on Winlock and Lewis County. | |||
== Museums == | |||
{{WA Museums Intro|Lewis}} | |||
*'''Lewis County Historical Museum'''<br> | |||
:Churches available at the historical museum | |||
::*'''1883-1983''' First Baptist Church | |||
::*'''1910-1986''' History of St. Mary's Church - Centralia | |||
::*'''1910 - 2011''' History of St. Mary's Church-Centralia | |||
::*'''1940''' History of Westminster Presbyterian | |||
::*Pe Ell Methodist | |||
::*Sy. Mary's Parish celebrating 10 years | |||
::*Local Church Ministries | |||
::*Sacred Heart church- Morton | |||
::*Lewis County Catholic church History | |||
::*Historical Directory-St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. Mary's | |||
::*Methodist Westminster Presbyterian Church | |||
::*Early Churches of Washington | |||
::*Adna Evangelical Church | |||
== Societies == | |||
{{WA Societies Intro|Lewis}}<br><br> | |||
'''Lewis County Genealogical Society'''<br>PO Box 782<br>Chehalis, WA 98532<br> | |||
== Websites == | |||
{{WA Websites Intro|Lewis}} | |||
* [http://jtenlen.drizzlehosting.com/walewis/walewis.html WAGenWeb] for Lewis County | |||
* [http://usgwarchives.net/wa/lewis/lewis.htm USGW Archives] | |||
* [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections#RSID:5 Washington State Archives] | |||
*{{FSC Place IDNum|2957|Washington|Lewis}} – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection. Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records. | |||
== Research Guides == | |||
{{WA Research Guides Intro|Lewis}} | |||
<references /> | == References == | ||
<references /> | |||
[[Category:Lewis_County,_Washington]] [[Category: | {{Washington|Washington}} | ||
[[Category:Lewis_County,_Washington]] | |||
[[Category:Washington Counties]] | |||
Latest revision as of 12:29, 5 June 2024
Guide to Lewis County, Washington ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
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County Information
Description
The county was named for Meriwether Lewis. The county is located in the southwest area of the state.[1]
County Courthouse
Lewis County Courthouse
345 West Main Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone 360-740-1333
Courthouse Website
Records from 1848 to the present County Auditor has birth and death records 1891-1907 and marriage records from 1850.
County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records from 1870’s. [2]
Lewis County, Washington Record Dates
| Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
| 1891 | 1847 | 1891 | 1847 | 1855 | 1855 | 1850 |
Record Loss
|
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county. |
Boundary Changes
|
Populated Places
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit Hometown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[6]
| Cities | ||
| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
|
|
|
| American Indian Communities | ||
| Census-designated places | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
|
|
|
‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
History Timeline
- Native Americans calling themselves Chehalis and Meshall lived along the banks of the Chehalis River.
- 1818-1846 The United States and Great Britain jointly occupied Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
- 1838 The Hudson's Bay Company established the Puget Sound Agricultural Company.
- 1838 Late, Cowlitz Farms, a part of the Puget Sound Agricultural Company, represented the first white settlement in the future Lewis County.
- 1845 December 21, The Oregon Territorial Legislature delineated Lewis County.
- 1853 March 2, U.S. President Millard Fillmore establishes Washington Territory.
- 1855 February, Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens convinced coastal tribes to sign the Quinault Treaty with the U.S. government.
Resources
Bible Records
Biographies
Biographical information is often found in Local Histories and in Genealogies (please see those headings). See also Washington Biography.
Business, Commerce, and Occupations
- 1996-2022 Lewis County Auditor, Professional License Records, 1996-2022 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1803-2010 Washington, County Records, 1803-2010 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only
Cemeteries
Census Records
See Washington Census for online censuses, including territorial. For more information, see United States Census.
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± |
| 1850 | 558 | — |
| 1860 | 384 | −31.2% |
| 1870 | 888 | 131.3% |
| 1880 | 2,600 | 192.8% |
| 1890 | 11,499 | 342.3% |
| 1900 | 15,157 | 31.8% |
| 1910 | 32,127 | 112.0% |
| 1920 | 36,840 | 14.7% |
| 1930 | 40,034 | 8.7% |
| 1940 | 41,393 | 3.4% |
| 1950 | 43,755 | 5.7% |
| 1960 | 41,858 | −4.3% |
| 1970 | 45,467 | 8.6% |
| 1980 | 56,025 | 23.2% |
| 1990 | 59,358 | 5.9% |
| 2000 | 68,600 | 15.6% |
| 2010 | 75,455 | 10.0% |
| Source: "Wikipedia.org". | ||
- Census indexes at Washington State Archives
- 1803-2010 Washington, County Records, 1803-2010 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; images only. Select Browse all images, click county
- 1850-1914 Web: Washington, U.S., Various County Census Records, 1850-1914 at Ancestry (Free)
Church Records
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.
Assembly of God
- They do not have records, nor do they send records to a central repository.
Catholic Church
- Old records had been sent to the Archdiocese in Seattle.
- Local churches have only current records but that because the persons are still living, all local records are private and not for the public.
- Anyone researching would have to contact the archdiocese. There is a fee.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Chehalis
Lutheran
- 1781-1969 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
List of Churches and Church Parishes
- FamilySearch Places: Map of cities and towns in this county - How to Use FS Places
- Contact local churches for possible records.
Court Records
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
- Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 21. Lewis County (Chehalis) at Ancestry ($)
- Power of Attorney Records 1968 - present at Washington State Archives.
- Lewis Frontier Justice. Part of "Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889 at Washington State Archives. (Free Index, no images)
- The court procedure of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of 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
- 1914-1923 R. L. Polk & Co., Lewis and Pacific Counties Directory, 1914-1923 at Washington State Archives - index and images
Emigration and Immigration
Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups
American Indians
- 1911-1919 Washington, Applications for Enrollment and Adoption of Washington Indians, 1911-1919 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Japanese
- 1942-1946 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
Funeral Homes
- Boone, Brown, Sticklin
- 1895-1920 Mortuary Records
- 1895-1904 Sticklin funeral Records
- 1904-1908 Sticklin Funeral Records
Genealogies
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
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
Online Land Indexes and Records
- 1803-2010 Washington, County Records, 1803-2010 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only
- 1850-1854 Washington, County Land Records, 1850-1954 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only
- NOTE These are labeled as direct (grantor/seller) and indirect (grantee/buyer) indexes, yet several include copies of the deed books. After selecting the years you need, explore various images to determine if the deeds are included.
- 1965-2022 Lewis County Auditor, Recorded Land Records, 1965-2022 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1965-2022 Lewis County Auditor, Recorded Agreements and Contracts, 1965-2022 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1974-2022 Lewis County Auditor, Plats and Surveys, 1974-2022 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- Full-Text Search - Land Records at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; How to Search
Local Histories
Local histories for Lewis County may include biographies, history of churches, schools, local government with names of officials, military information, and more. See Washington Local Histories.
- "Lewis County, Washington Facts" at Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness
- "Lewis County Resources and Links " at WAGenWEb
Online County Histories
- A history of Winlock, Washington at Ancestry ($)
- Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 21. Lewis County (Chehalis) at Ancestry ($)
Maps and Gazetteers
Click a neighboring county
for more resources
for more resources
- FamilySearch Places: Map of cities and towns in this county - How to Use FS Places
Migration
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
- 1885-1907 Military Department, National Guard Enlistment Register, 1885-1907 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- Lewis County Auditor, Recorded Military Records at Washington State Archives - index and images
Indian Wars
- 1855-1856 Military Department, Indian War Muster Rolls, 1855-1856 at Washington State Archives - index and images
World War I
- 1921-1925 Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records, 1921-1925 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
World War II
Japanese
- 1942-1946 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
Naturalization and Citizenship
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
- 1850-1982 Washington, County Naturalization Records, 1850-1982 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1853-1971 Lewis County Clerk, Naturalization Records, 1853-1971 at Washington State Archives - index and images
Newspapers
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.
- 1800s-Current Washington, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1855-2009 Washington Newspapers, 1855-2009 at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
- Daily Hub at Washington Digital Newspapers
- Daily Chronicle (Centralia, Washington)
- Chehalis Bee-Nugget (Chehalis, Washington)
- Centralia Chronicle Advertiser (Centralia, Washington) ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
- Centralia Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
- Washington Digital Newspaper at Washington State Library
- Lewis County, Washington Newspapers - List of known newspapers for the county, including town and years published for each newspaper
Obituaries
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
Public Records
- Prior to 1965 Washington Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only
Voting Records
- 1876-1940 Washington Voting Records, 1876-1940 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index
Periodicals
Probate Records
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
- 1832-1950 Washington, County Probate Case Files, 1832-1950 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- Full-Text Search - Land Records at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; How to Search
School Records
Online School Indexes and Records
- 1803-2010 Washington, County Records, 1803-2010 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only.
- 1891-1932 Lewis County Historical School Districts, Registers and Censuses, 1891-1932 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- The school census from 1907 and older has just an age for each student as well as their parents or guardians. Starting in 1908, the actual birthdate for each student is listed.
- The districts are listed by a number that was assigned to them by ESD 113 (The governing body for Lewis County and surrounding counties). If you don't know what school district the parents were in, it can be hard to decide where you need to look.
- Schools:
- 1918-1992 Adna
- 1911-1928 Twin Oaks
- 1920-1933 Brier Hill
- 2883-1983 Evaline (2books)
- 1860-1939 Knob
- 1925-1975 Centralia College
- 1936, 1950, and 1853-1932 Greenhill - The Lewis County History Museum has a binder titled: GREENHILL SCHOOL – “The new leaf 1936 State training school,” “The new leaf 1950,” and a leaflet of the "History of Washington state Human resources of 1853-1932.” The two New Leaf pamphlets were written by boys at the school.
- Name of the schoolhouse (Schools in Washington state)
- Lewis County School Review
- 1935 Early Schools of the Washington Territory
- 1908-2010 School annuals starting from 1908-2010
Social Security Records
- 1935-2014 United States Social Security Death Index at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index. Also at Ancestry, findmypast, Fold3, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, and Steve Morse. Click here for more information.
- 1936-2007 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- 1936-2007 United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
Tax Records
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.
Vital Records
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.[7]
Birth
- 1803-2010 Washington, County Records, 1803-2010 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only
- 1852-1963 Washington, Births at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
- 1871-1921 Department of Health, Delayed Birth Records at Washington State Archives - index and images; includes some earlier and later dates
- 1873-1965 Washington, County Birth Registers, 1873-1965 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1891-1907 Lewis County Auditor, Birth Returns, 1891-1907 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1891-1907 Lewis County Auditor, Birth Register, 1891-1907 at Washington State Archives - index and images
Marriage
- 1801-1962 Washington, United States Marriages at Findmypast — index ($)
- 1803-2010 Washington, County Records, 1803-2010 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; images only; Includes: Marriage applications 1939-1991; Marriage certificates 1847-1900; Marriage register 1891-1938; Marriage returns 1914-1968.
- 1847-2022 Lewis County Auditor, Marriage Records, 1847-2022 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1855-2008 Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1968-1997 Department of Health, Marriage Certificates, 1968-1997 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1969-2014 Washington Marriage Index, 1969-2014 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index
- 1969-2022 Department of Health, Marriage Index, 1969-2022 at Washington State Archives - index and images
Death
- 1881-1979 Washington, County Death Registers, 1881-1979 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1891-1906 Lewis County Auditor, Death Records, 1891-1906 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1907-1960 Washington, Death Certificates, 1907-1960 at MyHeritage — index ($)
- 1907-1960 Washington, Death Certificates, 1907-1960 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index
- 1907-1997 Department of Health, Death Certificates, July 1, 1907-1997 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1907-2020 Department of Health, Death Index, 1907-1960; 1965-2020 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1915-1928 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Fatal Accident Cards, 1915-1928 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1916-1998 Lewis County Health Department, Burial Transit Permits at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1919-1921 Department of Health, Fetal Death Records, 1919-1921 at Washington State Archives - index and images
Divorce
The county clerk has the divorce records. To order certificates, see Washington State Department of Health.
- 1852-1950 Washington, County Divorce Records, 1852-1950 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1968-1997 Department of Health, Divorce Certificates, 1968-1997 at Washington State Archives - index and images
- 1969-2014 Washington Divorce Index, 1969-2014 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index
- 1969-2017 Department of Health, Divorce Index, 1969-2017 at Washington State Archives - index and images
Research Facilities
Archives
Listed below are archives in Lewis County. For state-wide facilities, see Washington Archives and Libraries.
FamilySearch Centers
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
- Centralia Washington FamilySearch Center
- Elma Washington FamilySearch Center
- Morton Washington FamilySearch Center
- Olympia Washington FamilySearch Center
- South Hill Washington FamilySearch Center
- Northwest African American Museum - an affiliate library
Libraries
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 Lewis County. For state-wide library facilities, see Washington Archives and Libraries.
Resources for Lewis County are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the state (including universities), and the nation.
- Timberland Regional Library - Lewis County
- Centralia Timberland Library
- A selection of Veterans' History Project DVDs on local veterans (contact library for details)
- Polk Directories for Pacific and Lewis Counties, and Centralia and Chehalis from 1912 to present
- A selection of individual family histories and histories about the Wobbly War (contact library for details)
- A selection of individual family histories and histories about the founding of Centralia (contact library for details)
- The Chronicle (county-wide newspaper) from 1887 to 2010 on microfilm.
- Chehalis Timberland Library
- Maintains an uncatalogued collection of local historical and family photos which they will hand search upon request without charge.
- Maintains an uncatalogued collection of local historical and family photos which they will hand search upon request without charge.
- Salkum Timberland Library
- Maintains local history maps as well as Lewis County and local historical reference materials.
- Maintains local history maps as well as Lewis County and local historical reference materials.
- Morton Timberland Library
- Maintains local history resources.
- Maintains local history resources.
- Packwood Timberland Library
- Maintains a link through the Timberland Library website for doing your family genealogy in the Packwood area.
- Toledo Timberland Library
- Maintains a room at the library dedicated to the history of Toledo and some Lewis County history.
- Maintains a link through the Timberland Library website for doing your family genealogy in the Packwood area.
- Winlock Timberland Library
- Maintains some reference materials on Winlock and Lewis County.
Museums
- Lewis County Historical Museum
- Churches available at the historical museum
- 1883-1983 First Baptist Church
- 1910-1986 History of St. Mary's Church - Centralia
- 1910 - 2011 History of St. Mary's Church-Centralia
- 1940 History of Westminster Presbyterian
- Pe Ell Methodist
- Sy. Mary's Parish celebrating 10 years
- Local Church Ministries
- Sacred Heart church- Morton
- Lewis County Catholic church History
- Historical Directory-St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. Mary's
- Methodist Westminster Presbyterian Church
- Early Churches of Washington
- Adna Evangelical Church
Societies
Listed below are societies in Lewis County. For state-wide genealogical and historical societies, see Washington Societies.
Lewis County Genealogical Society
PO Box 782
Chehalis, WA 98532
Websites
Check back often with websites. Local societies and libraries may know of other websites.
- WAGenWeb for Lewis County
- USGW Archives
- Washington State Archives
- FamilySearch Catalog – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection. Use Historical Records to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
Research Guides
References
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington. accessed 18/07/2019
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Lewis County, Washington page 733, At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Lewis 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.
- ↑ The Evolution of Washington Counties by Newton Carl Abbott, Fred E. Carver, 1979. Published by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society and Klickitat County Genealogical Society.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington, accessed 13 March 2019.
- ↑ Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Birth Records, About this Collection & Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Death Records About Death Records