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Island County, Washington
Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources

County Census Records  •  County Court, Probate, Land and Tax Records
County Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records and Death Records
County Cemeteries & Graveyards  •  County Church & Bible Records
Island County Washington Map

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Island County was created on 1853 and was formed from Thurston County . The county was named for Whidbey and Camano Islands . The county seat is Coupeville, is now
a preserved historic town (the county seat was Coveland from 1853-1864).

Island County is bordered by Snohomish County ( east), Kitsap County ( southwest), Jefferson County ( west), San Juan County ( northwest), Skagit County ( north).

Cities and Towns in Island County include Ault Field , Camano, Clinton, Freeland.

The Official County Government Website is located at http://www.islandcounty.net/ .

Below is a list of Island County Genealogical and Historical Socities, Mail-List, Libraries and Archives Addresses and/or Links. See Also Washington Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.

  • Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island, PO Box 976, Langley, WA 98260.
  • San Juan County Genealogical Society, 338 Shoreland Dr, Lopez Island, WA 98261.
  • Sno-Isle Genealogical Society, PO Box 63, Edmonds, WA 98020-0063.
  • Whidbey Island Genealogical Searchers, PO Box 627, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-0627.
  • Island County Historical Society, 902 NW Alexander, Coupeville, WA 98239. Phone 360-678-3310.
  • South Whidbey Historical Society , 312-2nd St, Langley, WA 98260. Phone 360-579-3519.
  • Washington State Archives, Northwest Regional Branch , Western Washington University, MS-9123 , 25th St and Bill McDonald Parkway. Phone: 1-360-650-7930. Hours: 8:30 – 4:30 Monday through Friday excluding state holidays
  • Island County Historical Society Museum, PO Box 305, 908 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239. Phone 360-678-3310. Museum's collections and displays illustrate early Whidbey Island history. A walking tour of nearby sites is available. Museum has a library and researchers can write to the librarian for assistance. Their collection includes census records, oral histories, newspaper clippings, manuscripts and a local book collection. A photography collection is being cataloged to improve access by the public. Reference can be given to individuals in the community with private collections of note.
  • South Whidbey Historical Museum, PO Box 612, 312 Second St, Langley, WA 98260. Phone 360-730-3367. Housed in the home of Langley's founder, Jacob Anthes, the museum includes displays and memorabilia of south Whidbey Island.
  • Family History Library
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Island County, WA Court, Probate, Land and Tax Records

See Also Washington Court, Land, Tax & Probate Records and Marriage Records

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. Although originally held in the county seat, many county land, probate, and court records have been transferred to the state archive's regional branches.

Even today, few people escape mention in court records at some time during their lives as witnesses, litigants, jurors, appointees to office, or as petition signatories. However, Americans of a few generations ago also expected to attend local court proceedings when they were in session. It was a civic duty and they could be fined if they did not attend. The chances are great that your ancestors have left a detailed record of at least some aspects of their lives in court records.

Unless otherwise noted, All Deparments are in the County Courthouse located at PO Box 5000, 1 NE 7th St, Coupeville, WA 98239-5000. Phone 360-679-7300. Courthouse hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Island County Clerk of Court has Court Records from 1891 and Probate Records from 1853 . Contact the County Clerk's department at Phone 360-679-7359. Fax 509-678-4141. After approximately 1980 the hard copy of civil and probate files are retained in the office until they are microfilmed and transferred to the Archives in Bellingham, Washington. All hard copy before 1980 is stored at the Archives. For judicial purposes, many of the Washington counties were attached to other counties.

Island County Auditor has Marriage Records from 1853 and Land Records from 1853 . The Couty Auditor also has Birth and Death Records from 1891 to 1907. See County Vital Records for info on Birth and Death Records after 1907. Contact the County Auditor's department at Phone 360-679-7366. Fax 360-240-5553.

Island County Assessor has Tax Records. Contact the County Assessor's department at Phone 360-679-7303. Fax 360-240-5565.

Below is a list of online resources for Island County Court, Probate, Land or Tax Records Records EMAIL US with websites links to Island County Court Records

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Island County, WA Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records

See Also Research In Vital Records or Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records in Washington

Washington State Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

Island County Health Department is located at PO Box 5000,Coupeville, WA 98239. Phone 360-679-7350. Fax 360-679-7390.

  • Island County Birth Records
    • For records from July 1, 1907 to present: you can order through the Center for Health Statistics.
    • For records from January 1, 1921 to present: you can order through local health departments.
    • For records before July 1, 1907 in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane: contact the local health department.
    • For all other counties for records before July 1, 1907: contact the county auditor.
  • Island County Marriage Records
    • For recent marriage certificates from the last 4 months: contact the county auditor where the license was filed.
    • For certificates from January 1, 1968 to four months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics
    • For certificates before January 1, 1968: contact the county auditor where the license was obtained.
  • Island County Divorce Records
    • For recent divorce certificates from the last four months: contact the county clerk where the event was filed.
    • For certificates from January 1, 1968 to four months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics.
    • For certificates before January 1, 1968: contact the county clerk where the event occurred.
  • Island County Death Records
    • For recent records, in the current or previous month, please contact the Local Health Department where the event occurred.
    • July 1, 1907 to 2 months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics.
    • For records before July 1, 1907: contact the Research Office of the Washington State Archives.

Below is a list of online resources for Island County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Island County Vital Records

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Island County, WA Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Census Records that exist for Washington

Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable

Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Island County, Washington are 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Island County are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1870 and 1880. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1870 and 1880.

Below is a list of online resources for Island County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Island County Census Records by clicking the link below:

Below is a list of online resources for Island County Census Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Island County Census Records.

1850 Island County Census Records

1860 Island County Census Records

1870 Island County Census Records

1880 Island County Census Records

1890 Island County Census Records (destroyed by fire at the Commerce Dept on 10 January 1921)

1900 Island County Census Records

1910 Island County Census Records

1920 Island County Census Records

1930 Island County Census Records

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Island County, WA Cemeteries & Graveyards

See Also Research In Cemetery Records or Statewide Cemetery Links for Washington

Cemetery records and headstone inscriptions are also sources of birth and death information. The records of this type most commonly found are church burial registers, sextons' records, cemetery deed and plot registers, burial permit records, grave opening orders, and monument (gravestone) inscriptions.

There are many churches and cemeteries in Island County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Island County Tombstone Transcription Project.

Below is a list of online resources for Island County Cemetery & Church Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Island County Cemetery & Church Records.

The following cemeteries and churches are listed in the US Geological Survey web site as being in this County. And there are more not listed.
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Island County, WA Church & Bible Records

See Also Research In Church Records or Statewide Church & Bible Links for Washington

For periods before the advent of civil registration of vital statistics, church records rank as the best available sources for information on specific vital events: birth, marriage, and death. Bible records is a good primary source for genealogy research and information. You will find many different surnames listed in many of these Bibles which include old photos, obituaries and other facts such as birth and death dates.

Below is a list of online resources for Island County Cemetery & Church Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Island County Cemetery & Church Records.

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