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Jefferson County, Washington

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
Jefferson County Washington Map

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Jefferson County was created on 1852 and was formed from Thurston County. The county was named for Thomas Jefferson . The county seat is Port Townsend (spelled Port Townshend until 1853).

Jefferson County is bordered by Island County (northeast), Kitsap County, Mason County, Grays Harbor County (southwest), Clallam County (northwest), San Juan County (northeast).

Cities and Towns in Jefferson County include Brinnon, Marrowstone, Port Hadlock-Irondale, Port Ludlow, Port Townsend, Quilcene.

The Official County Government Website is located at http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/ .

Below is a list of Jefferson 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.

  • Jefferson County Genealogical Society, 210 Madison St, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
  • Jefferson County Historical Society & Museum, 210 Madison, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Phone 360-385-1003. Located in the historic City Hall, the museum's collections and exhibits focus on the rich and diverse heritage of the county. Collections include artifacts, archives, family histories and a photographic collection of the Native American tribes of the area, pioneer groups and the military. On site is the McCurdy Research Library.
  • Port Townsend Family History Center Library, 10104 Rhody Dr Rd, Chimacum, WA 98325. Phone 360-385-5191.
  • Quilcene Historical Museum, PO Box 574, 151 Columbia St, Quilcene, WA 98376. Phone 360-765-4848. Established in 1991, the museum reflects Quilcene and surrounding communities: the Native Americans, pioneers, industry and the Quilcene Country Store.
  • 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
  • Family History Library
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Jefferson 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 1220, 1820 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Courthouse hours Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Jefferson County Clerk of Court has Court Records from 1854 and Probate Records from 1853 . Contact the County Clerk's department at Phone 360-385-9125. Fax 360-385-5672. For judicial purposes, many of the Washington counties were attached to other counties.

Jefferson County Auditor has Marriage Records from 1853 and Land Records from 1855 . 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 PO Box 563. Phone 360-385-9118. Fax 360-385-9228.

Jefferson County Assessor has Tax Records. Contact the County Assessor's department at Phone 360-385-9105. Fax 360-385-9197.

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

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Jefferson 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.

Jefferson County Health Department is located at Castle Hill Center, 615 Sheridan, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Phone 360-385-9400. Fax 360-385-9401.

  • Jefferson 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.
  • Jefferson 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.
  • Jefferson 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.
  • Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Jefferson County Vital Records

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Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, Washington are 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1910, 1920 and 1940. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Jefferson County Census Records by clicking the link below:

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

1850 Jefferson County Census Records

1860 Jefferson County Census Records

1870 Jefferson County Census Records

1880 Jefferson County Census Records

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

1900 Jefferson County Census Records

1910 Jefferson County Census Records

1920 Jefferson County Census Records

1930 Jefferson County Census Records

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Jefferson 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 Jefferson County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Jefferson County Tombstone Transcription Project.

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

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