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Lewis 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
Lewis County Washington Map

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Lewis County was created in 1845 when the Provisional Government of Oregon divided the District of Vancouver into two large counties: all land north of the Columbia and west of the Cowlitz Rivers was designated Lewis County. The county was named for Meriwether Lewis . The county seats were Jackson Prairie (1845?-1862), Claquato (1862-1872) and Chehalis (originally named Saundersville, renamed Chehalis in 1872), 1873 it moved to its present location in Chehalis.

The county's early settlers expended much effort and time in cutting and building roads through the vast forests that covered the land. In 1873 the Northern Pacific Railroad passed through the county linking it to the Puget Sound settlements; the county seat, Chehalis, was built to accommodate the new railroad.

Lewis County is bordered by Grays Harbor County ( north), Thurston County ( north), Pierce County ( northeast), Yakima County ( east), Skamania County ( southeast), Cowlitz County ( south), Wahkiakum County ( southwest), Pacific County ( west).

Cities and Towns in Lewis County include Centralia, Chehalis, Fords Prairie, Morton, Mossyrock, Napavine, Pe Ell, Toledo, Vader, Winlock.

The Official County Government Website is located at http://lewiscountywa.gov/ .

Below is a list of Lewis 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.

  • Washington State Archives, Southwest Regional Branch. 1129 Washington Street SE, PO Box 40238, Olympia, WA 98504. Phone 360) 753-1684.
  • Lewis County Genealogical Society, Box 782, Chehalis, WA 98532-0782.
  • Eastern Lewis County Historical Society & Historical Museum, Gust. Backstrom Park, PO Box 777, Morton, WA 98356. Phone 360-496-5602.
  • Lewis County Historical Society, Museum & Library, 599 Front St, Chehalis, WA 98532. Phone 360-748-0831. Research Library's collection includes obituary file, cemetery records, pioneer family histories and a collection of local oral histories. It is recommended that researchers call ahead for an appointment. Museum Exhibits and displays of Chehalis Indian culture, early settlement and the development of logging and agricultural in the county.
  • Chehalis Family History Center, 2195 Jackson Hwy, Chehalis, WA. Phone 360-748-1516.
  • Morton Family History Center, 130 Crumb Rd, Morton, WA. Phone 360-496-5959.
  • Timberland Regional Library, 415 Airdustrial Way SW, Olympia, WA 98501-5799. Phone 360-943-5001.
  • Family History Library
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Lewis 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 351 NW North St, Chehalis, WA 98532-1900. Courthouse hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Information phone 360-748-9121.

Lewis County Clerk of Court has Court Records from 1886 and Probate Records from 1884 . Contact the County Clerk's department at 360 NW North St, MS CLK 01, Chehalis, WA 98532-1900. Phone 360-740-2704. Need to have an idea of year of event and to be clear about all names. Office will make certified copies. For judicial purposes, many of the Washington counties were attached to other counties.

Lewis County Auditor has Marriage Records from 1884 and Land Records from 1883 . 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 351 NW North St, PO Box 29, Chehalis, WA 98532-1900. Phone 360-740-1156.

Lewis County Assessor has Tax Records. Contact the County Assessor's department at 360 NW North St, MS ASR 01, Chehalis, WA 98532-1900. Phone 360-740-1392. For information that is readily available, a staff person will supply the appropriate book or file. Original documents cannot be removed from this office. The information must be reviewed on premises and under supervision to ensure the files are kept intact and are not altered. For information that is not readily available, we will respond to that request within five working days. That response will (a) provide the information requested, (b) acknowledge the receipt of the request and the amount of time it will take to respond or (c) deny the request and the reason. Be patient. Property taxes are due April 30 and October 31 each year. The office will be very busy near these dates. Try to avoid these times for special requests.

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

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Lewis 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.

Lewis County Health Department is located at 360 NW North Street, Chehalis WA 98532; (360) 740-1223 .

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

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Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Lewis County Census Records by clicking the link below:

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

1850 Lewis County Census Records

1860 Lewis County Census Records

1870 Lewis County Census Records

1880 Lewis County Census Records

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

1900 Lewis County Census Records

1910 Lewis County Census Records

1920 Lewis County Census Records

1930 Lewis County Census Records

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

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

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