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King County, Washington
Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources
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King County was created on 1852 and was formed from Thurston County. The county was originally named after named for William Rufus King, it was renamed, in 1986, after civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The county seat is Seattle.
The first settlements in the county were the donation land claims of Luther Collins, Henry Van Asselt, and Jacob Maple in September of 1851 in the Duwamish Valley area of present day Seattle. This settlement was followed in November by one led by David Denny and Leander Terry at Alki Pont. The next year the Denny-Terry settlers moved to a better location for loading lumber on the east side of Elliott Bay and named the settlement Seattle after the friendly chief of the Duwamish Indians. The next year Henry Yesler set up the first steam sawmill on Puget Sound.
King County is bordered by Snohomish County ( north), Chelan County ( northeast), Kittitas County ( southeast), Pierce County ( south), Kitsap County ( west).
Cities and Towns in King County include Ames Lake, Baring, Bryn Mawr-Skyway, Cascade-Fairwood, Cottage Lake, East Hill-Meridian, East Renton Highlands, Eastgate, Fall City, Hobart, Inglewood-Finn Hill, Kingsgate, Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Lake Morton-Berrydale, Lakeland North, Lakeland South, Maple Heights-Lake Desire, Mirrormont, Ravensdale, Riverbend, Riverton-Boulevard Park, Tanner, Union Hill-Novelty Hill, Vashon, West Lake Sammamish, White Center.
The Official County Government Website is located at http://www.kingcounty.gov/ .
- Historical Newspapers from Washington (1890 - 1984) - Quickly find names and keywords in over 450 million articles, obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements and other items published in over 2,800 historical U.S. newspapers. New content added monthly!
- Washington Historical Records - Databases include Washington Court, Land, Wills & Financial Records; Washington Birth, Marriage & Death Records; Washington Voter Lists & Census Records; Washington Immigration & Emigration Records; Washington Obituary Records; Washington Military Records; Washington Family Tree Records; Washington Pictures; Washington Stories, Memories & Histories; Washington Directories & Member Lists and much more....
- King County, Washington Message Boards
- read and post messages with other genealogy researchers for King County
- King County, Washington Genealogy Forum - read and post messages about your ancestors
- King County, Washington Wikipedia article
- King County, WA USGenweb
- The Washington Family Group Sheet Project
- About King County and its government
- King County, Washington Family Books at Amazon.com
- King County, Washington History Books at Amazon.com
Below is a list of King 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.
- King County Archives, 1215 E. Fir Street, Seattle, WA 98122 Phone: 206-296-1538
- Seattle City Municipal Archives, 3rd Floor of the Seattle City Hall Bldg., 600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA. Phone 206-233-7807.
- Puget Sound Regional Branch—Washington State Archives, Pritchard-Fleming Bldg., 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, MS-N100, Bellevue, WA 98007-6484
- Pacific Alaska Region - Seattle, The National Archives, 6125 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-7999; Phone 206-336-5115
- Ballard Historical Society, PO Box 17775, Seattle, WA 98127. Phone 206-660-8463.
- Black Diamond Historical Society, 32626 Railroad, PO Box 232, Black Diamond, WA 98010. Phone 360-886-2142
- Des Moines Historical Society, PO Box 98055, Des Moines, WA 98198
- Duvall Historical Society, 26526 NE Cherry Valley Road Duvall, WA 98019
- Enumclaw Plateau Historical Society, 1837 Marion St., PO Box 1087, Enumclaw, WA 98022. Phone 360-825-4028
- Highline Historical Society, P. O. Box 317, Seahurst, WA 98062
- Historical Society of Seattle & King County. 2700-24th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112, Phone 206-324-1126
- Issaquah Historical Society, P. O. Box 695, Issaquah, Washington 98027; Telephone ~(425) 392-3500
- Kent Historical Society and Museum, 855 E. Smith Street, Kent WA 98030. Phone: 253-854-4330
- Mercer Island Historical Society 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040. Phone: 206-236-7321 or 206-236-3545
- Newcastle Historical Society, 7331 Lakemount Blvd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027, Phone 425-255-6996
- Pacific Northwest Historians Guild, PO Box 85457, Seattle, WA 98145
- Queen Anne Historical Society, P.O. Box 19432, Seattle, WA 98109
- Rainier Valley Historical Society, P.O Box 18143, Seattle, WA 98118, 3710 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle, WA 98118-0143, Phone 206-723-1663
- Redmond Historical Society, The Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80 St, Redmond, WA 98052. Phone: 425-885-2919
- Renton Historical Society, 235 Mill Ave S, Renton, WA 98055. Phone 425-255-2330
- Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 179, 320 Bendigo Blvd, North Bend, WA 98045, Phone: 425-888-3200
- White River Valley Historical Society, 918 H St SE, Auburn, WA 98002. Phone 253-288-7433
- Association of King County Historical Organization (Woodinville Heritage Society, P.O. Box 216, 17143 133rd Ave NE, Woodinville, WAAKCHO), PO Box 3257, Seattle, WA 98114
- Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, PO Box 353010, 17th Ave NE and NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98195. Phone 206-543-5590
- Historic Seattle, Dearborn House 1117 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, Phone: 206-622-6952,
- Maple Valley Historical Museum, 23015 SE 216th Way, PO Box 123, Maple Valley, WA 98038
- Shoreline Historical Museum, 749 N 175th, PO Box 7171, Seattle, WA 98133. Phone 206-542-7111
- Family History Centers
- Auburn Washington, 625 M Street NE, Auburn, WA, Phone 253-735-2009.
- Bellevue Washington, 10675 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA, Phone 425-454-2690.
- Bellevue Washington South, 4200 124th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, Phone 425-562-0361.
- Federal Way Washington, 34815 Weyerhaeuser Way South, Federal Way, WA. Phone 253-874-3803.
- Kirkland Washington, 7910 NE 32nd St, Kirkland, WA. Phone 425-821-3939.
- Maple Valley Washington, 26800 236th Place SE, Maple Valley, WA. Phone 425-413-7566.
- North Bend Washington, 527 Mountain Side Blvd., North Bend, WA. Phone 425-888-1098.
- Redmond Washington, 10115 172nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA. Phone 425-861-9273.
- Seattle Washington, 14022 Ambaum Blvd SW, Seattle, WA. Phone 206-444-6017.
- Seattle Washington North, 5701 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA. Phone 206-522-1233.
- Tiffany Park Washington, 8220 S. 126th St., Seattle, King, WA. Phone 425-207-0092
- Vashon Washington, 9330 S.W. 204th St, Vashon, WA. Phone 206-463-1863.
- Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogist - Meetings usually occur every other month starting in February. Please check the website to learn about the coming programs. The website also provides ideas for more genealogical education, events, and chapter news along with the profile of the members of the chapter
- Family History Library
King 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 ?.
King County Clerk of Court has Court Records from 1864 and Probate Records from 1854 . Contact the County Clerk's department at Judicial Administration, Superior Court Clerk's Office, King County Courthouse, 516 3rd Ave. E609, Seattle, WA 98104-2386. Phone 206-296-9300 . For judicial purposes, many of the Washington counties were attached to other counties.
King County Auditor has Marriage Records from 1860 and Land Records from 1857 . 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 516 Third Ave., Rm W-1033, Seattle, WA 98104, Phone 206-296-1655.
King County Recorder's Office has marriage and deed records on microfilm and microfiche and is located at King County Administration Building 500 Fourth Ave, Room 311, Seattle, WA 98104
King County Assessor has Tax Records. Contact the County Assessor's department at Department of Assessments, 500 Fourth Avenue, Suite ADM-AS-0708, Seattle, WA 98104. 206-296-7300, Fax 206-296-5107.
Below is a list of online resources for King County Court, Probate, Land or Tax Records Records EMAIL US with websites links to King County Court Records
- King County, Washington Court Books at Amazon.com
- BLM Land Records - covers the State of Washington. Many pioneers and settelers bought land from the government instead of individuals.
King 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.
Seattle & King County Health Department is located at 500 4th Ave, Room 214, Seattle, WA 98104. Phone: 206-296-4768, Toll free 1-800-325-6165, ext. 64768..
- King 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.
- King 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.
- King 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.
- King 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 King County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records Records. EMAIL US with websites links to King County Vital Records
- Vital Records from Archives.com: Order Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records Online!
- Click Here to Search the Social Security Death Index - Search over 82 million death records and get genealogical information crucial to your family research.
- King County, Washington Birth, Marriage & Death Books at Amazon.com
King 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 King 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 King 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 King County Census Records. Email us with websites containing King County Census Records by clicking the link below:
- U.S. Bureau of the Census, Seattle Regional Office Reference Center, 19820 N. Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Bothell, WA 98011, 425-908-3000.
- King County Census Records at Archives.com
- King County, Washington Census Books at Amazon.com
- Census & Voter Lists
Below is a list of online resources for King County Census Records. EMAIL US with websites links to King County Census Records.
1860 King County Census Records
- 1860 U.S. Census Guide
- Download Free US 1860 Census Extract Form
- 1860 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 01 June 1860.
1870 King County Census Records
- 1870 U.S. Census Guide
- 1870 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 01 June 1870.
- Download Free US 1870 Census Extract Form
1880 King County Census Records
- 1880 U.S. Census Guide
- 1880 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 01 June 1880. (free search index and print images)
- Download Free US 1880 Census Extract Form
1890 King County Census Records (destroyed by fire at the Commerce Dept on 10 January 1921)
- 1890 U.S. Census Guide
- 1890 King County, Washington Census. This is a census of the U.S. population as of 01 June 1890. While much of this census was lost in a fire, Ancestry has gathered records from that time period to create an 1890 Census Substitute. - Ancestry
- Download Free US 1890 Census Extract Form
1900 King County Census Records
- 1900 U.S. Census Guide
- 1900 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 01 June 1900.
- Download Free US 1900 Census Extract Form
1910 King County Census Records
- 1910 U.S. Census Guide
- 1910 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 15 April 1910.
- Download Free US 1910 Census Extract Form
1920 King County Census Records
- 1920 U.S. Census Guide
- 1920 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 01 January 1920.
- Download Free US 1920 Census Extract Form
1930 King County Census Records
- 1930 U.S. Census Guide
- 1930 King County, Washington Census - Census Population of King County as of 01 April 1930.
- Download Free US 1930 Census Extract Form
King 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 King County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the King County Tombstone Transcription Project.
Below is a list of online resources for King County Cemetery & Church Records. EMAIL US with websites links to King County Cemetery & Church Records.
- Cemetery Records at Archives.com
- King County, Washington Cemetery Books at Amazon.com
- Gravestone, Tombstone, and Memorial Photo Collection from findagrave.com
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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King 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.
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Below is a list of online resources for King County Cemetery & Church Records. EMAIL US with websites links to King County Cemetery & Church Records.
