Lewis County, Washington Genealogy
Guide to Lewis County Washington ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records, since 1845, when the county was formed.
Lewis County, Washington | |
Map | |
![]() Location in the state of Washington (disambiguation) | |
![]() Location of Washington in the U.S. | |
Facts | |
Founded | December 21, 1845 |
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County Seat | Chehalis |
Courthouse | |
Address | Lewis County Courthouse 351 NW North Street Chehalis, WA 98532 Phone 360.740.2704 Lewis County Website |
Contents
- 1 County Overview
- 2 Topics for Lewis County, Washington Genealogy
- 2.1 Bible Records
- 2.2 Biography
- 2.3 Business and Commerce
- 2.4 Cemeteries
- 2.5 Census
- 2.6 Church Records
- 2.7 Court Records
- 2.8 Directories
- 2.9 Emigration and Immigration
- 2.10 Ethnic, Political or Religious Groups
- 2.11 Funeral Homes
- 2.12 Maps and Gazetteers
- 2.13 Genealogy
- 2.14 Guardianship
- 2.15 History
- 2.16 Land and Property
- 2.17 Maps
- 2.18 Migration
- 2.19 Military
- 2.20 Naturalization and Citizenship
- 2.21 Newspapers
- 2.22 Obituaries
- 2.23 Periodicals
- 2.24 Probate Records
- 2.25 Public Records
- 2.26 Taxation
- 2.27 Vital Records
- 2.28 Voting Registers
- 2.29 Websites
- 3 Archives, Libraries, etc.
- 4 Populated Places
- 5 References
County Overview[edit | edit source]
Before 1845—and perhaps until the newly-formed county was fully operational—search records of the parent county(s). |
Description[edit | edit source]
The County was named for Meriwether Lewis. The County is located in the southwest area of the state.[1]
Parent County(s)[edit | edit source]
Lewis County, Washington was created 21 December 1845[2] from Vancouver District, (later Clark County). Lewis was an original county in the Oregon Territory.
County Seat: Chehalis [3]. See also Towns and Communities in Lewis County, Washington Genealogy. For Courthouse, see Archives, libraries, etc.
Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]
- Historical County Boundaries from Newberry Library[4]
Courthouse[edit | edit source]
Small town newspapers provide historical content and contain obituaries, birth or death notices, legal notices, and community news, such as visits to or from out-of-town relatives.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.
- Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 21. Lewis County (Chehalis) (If the link does not work, go to ancestry.com ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
Lewis County Courthouse
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone 360.740.2704
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. [5]
See also Archives, libraries, etc. in Lewis County, Washington Genealogy.
Dates of Major County Records[edit | edit source]
Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
1891 | 1847 | 1891 | 1847 | 1855 | 1855 | 1850 |
General compliance by 1917. |
Record Loss[edit | edit source]
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.
Topics for Lewis County, Washington Genealogy[edit | edit source]
The topics or headings on this page describe records that are used for genealogy and family history. They include links to web sites with indexes, images, or information about the county.
Don't overlook Lewis County, Washington Genealogy items in the FamilySearch Library Catalog. For other libraries (local and national) or to gain access to items of interest, see Archives and Libraries. |
Bible Records[edit | edit source]
Biography[edit | edit source]
Biographical information is often found in state and local histories or genealogies. See also Washington Biography.
Business and Commerce[edit | edit source]
- Recorded Professional Licenses at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Mining Claims, 1882-1920, index 1880-1920 Part of Washington, County Records, 1856-2009 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
Cemeteries[edit | edit source]
Tombstone Transcriptions Online | Tombstone Transcriptions in Print | List of Cemeteries in the county |
FindAGrave | Family History Library | FindAGrave |
Tombstone Project | WorldCat | Interment.net |
Billion Graves (name) | Washington Periodicals | WA State Digital Archives |
WAGenWeb Archives | Linkpendium | |
Billion Graves | Genealogy Trails | |
WAGenWeb | FamilySearch Places | |
See Washington Cemeteries for more information. |
Cemetery records often reveal birth, death, relationship, military, and religious information. Tombstones, sextons (caretakers) records, and burial records each have slightly different information. See Washington Cemeteries.
Check every person buried in the plot, as they may be close relatives. |
Census[edit | edit source]
Historical populations | ||
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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". |
Names, ages, birthplaces | 1850–1940 |
Birthplaces of parents | 1880–1940 |
Relationships | 1880–1940 |
Family and Neighbors | All years |
Immigration year | 1900–1930 |
Citizenship | 1910–1940 |
Censuses 1) Give names, ages, and more about the family; 2) Pinpoint the area to find other records; and 3) Provide clues for further research.
Click for more census tips |
- Washington online census links to FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, Heritage Quest and others.
- Statewide printed indexes of federal censuses
- Census indexes at Washington State Digital Archives: (Free)
Censuses indexed by societies or groups in the area may be more accurate, due to familiarity with local surnames. |
Church Records[edit | edit source]
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.
- Church records (microfilmed originals or published transcripts) for Lewis County, Washington Genealogy are listed in the FamilySearch catalog. (Press space bar to select town.)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[edit | edit source]
Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Chehalis
Lutheran[edit | edit source]
- Records of the America Lutheran Church, Alpha, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at Archives.com ($).
List of Churches and Church Parishes
Court Records[edit | edit source]
Your ancestors may be found in court records as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. Court records can clarify family relationships, places of residence, occupations, and family history. See Washington Court Records for courts used through the years.
For specialized court records, see Divorce · Guardianship · Land · Naturalization · Probate
- Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 21. Lewis County (Chehalis) (If the link does not work, go to ancestry.com ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
- Power of Attorney Records 1968 - present at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Lewis Frontier Justice. Part of "Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889 at Washington State Digital 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[edit | edit source]
Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]
Ethnic, Political or Religious Groups[edit | edit source]
American Indian[edit | edit source]
- 1911 - 1919 - Washington, Applications for Enrollment and Adoption of Washington Indians, 1911-1919 at FamilySearch — images
Japanese[edit | edit source]
World War II Files, 1942-1946
Public Welfare/Social Security Department, (Japanese Internment) Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946 from the Washington State Archives – Digital Archives
Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]
Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]
- FamilySearch Places:Cities and Towns- How to Use FS Places
for more resources
Genealogy[edit | edit source]
Many local libraries and societies have collections of family genealogies. County histories or biographies often include brief genealogies of the featured persons.

Guardianship[edit | edit source]
Guardianship of orphans or adults unable to manage their own affairs were handled by the probate and the Federal District courts. See Washington Court Records.
History[edit | edit source]
Local histories for Lewis County, Washington Genealogy may include biographies, history of churches, schools, local government with names of officials, military information, and more. See Washington Local Histories.
Online County Histories
- A history of Winlock, Washington (If the link does not work, go to ancestry.com ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
History Timeline[edit | edit source]
Historical County Boundaries from Newberry Library[7]
Emphasis for this timeline is on events that affected migration, records, or record-keeping. Unless otherwise mentioned, the events below were gleaned from Wilma, David. Lewis County -- Thumbnail History, History Link.org Essay 7449.
- 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.
Land and Property[edit | edit source]
Yes or Maybe ⇒ | Y | M |
Seller (Grantor) | ![]() |
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Seller's Spouse | ![]() |
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Buyer (Grantee) | ![]() |
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Heirs | ![]() | |
Witnesses | ![]() |
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Land Description and Dates | ![]() |
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Land records (especially deeds) may give the name of a spouse, heirs, and witnesses, who may be relatives or in-laws.
County deeds, mortgages, and leases show transfers from person to person. See also Court Records for actions involving real estate. See Washington Land for government-to-person records.
- County Land records, 1850-1954 Part of:"Washington County Land Records, 1850-1954" FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- 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.
- Mining Claims, 1880-1920 Part of Washington, County Records, 1856-2009 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Mining claims index 1880-1920.
- Items at Washington State Digital Archives Collection (Free)
Maps[edit | edit source]
Migration[edit | edit source]
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 (1st deed may reveal previous residence)
- • Death-related records of children may give town or county of birth
- • Records of relatives and neighbors
Military[edit | edit source]
- 1921-1925 - Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records, 1921-1925 at FamilySearch — index
- Recorded Military Records at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]
Declarations of Intent before 1906 often include the nation of origin, his* foreign and "Americanized" names, residence, and date of arrival. See Washington Naturalization and Citizenship for more information. *Women were not naturalized until 1922 in the United States.
- County Naturalization Records, 1850-1982, part of Washington, County Naturalization Records, 1850-1982 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
- Included in this collection: Application & oaths (Repatriation) 1937-1965 no 1-26; Certificate of citizenship 1903-1906; Citizenship papers 1874-1896; Declaration of intention (Invalid) Depositions 1884-1921; Declaration of intention 1887-1972; Depositions 1907-1963; Card index 1930-1979; Certificate receipts 1907-1927; Index 1888-1962; Notices of application for citizenship 1909-1924; Petition records 1886-1947.
- Naturalization Records, 1853-1971 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
Newspapers[edit | edit source]
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.
- Daily Chronicle (Centralia, Washington) (If the link does not work, go to ancestry.com ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
- Chehalis Bee-Nugget (Chehalis, Washington) (If the link does not work, go to ancestry.com ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
- Centralia Chronicle Advertiser (Centralia, Washington) ($), 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)
Finding More Washington Newspapers
Additional newspapers abstracts can sometimes be found using search phrases such as Lewis County, Washington Genealogy newspapers in online catalogs like:
- WorldCat (For instructions see WorldCat Online Catalog).
- Do a search for these and other records in the FamilySearch Catalog. To select a county in Washington, add a comma, slide way down to the county list, then click Search. (Almost every state seems to have a Washington County)
Obituaries[edit | edit source]
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.
See also: Newspapers • Libraries • Societies • Funeral Homes • Obituaries of neighboring counties or of the person's previous residence • Family records.
Also check:
- Newspapers of Lewis County, Washington Genealogy
- Local Funeral Homes, Libraries, or family records.
- Obituaries of neighboring counties
Periodicals[edit | edit source]
Probate Records[edit | edit source]
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.
- Washington, County Probate Case Files, 1832-1950 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free indexes and images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
Public Records[edit | edit source]
Public records are documents created by civil authorities that either don't fit comfortably in another topic, or that could fit in several topics.
- Lewis Postmaster Index. Part of Washington, Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965, FamilySearch Historical Collections for Washington. (Free, browse images)
Taxation[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
The county auditors in Washington kept records of birth, marriage, and death. The county clerk has the divorce records - the earliest dates to the present.
Visit the Washington State Department of Health website to order a Washington Birth, Death, Marriage or Divorce Certificate. See Washington Vital Records for details and history of the records. .
Birth[edit | edit source]
Y | M | |
Name of Child | ![]() |
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Birth Date and Place | ![]() |
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Parent's Names | ![]() |
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Mother's Maiden Name | ![]() |
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Parent's Ages | ![]() | |
Parents' State or Country of Birth | ![]() |
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Name of Doctor or Midwife | ![]() |
In 1891, coroners, physicians, and midwives were to "return" births and deaths to the county auditor. Many went unrecorded. In 1907, the State Center for Health Statistics assumed this responsibility.[8]
See Washington Online Genealogy Records for indexes.
Also see Washington Birth Records.
- Washington, County Birth Registers, 1873-1965 — index and images
- Birth Returns, 1891-1894 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Birth Register, 1891-1907 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Birth Register, 1891-1907 Part of Washington, County Records, 1856-2009 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
For earlier or unrecorded births, search:
- Delayed Birth Certificates often include statements of witnesses to the birth.
- Death Records to learn birth date, place, parents
- Census to learn age, family members, location, etc.
- School Censuses give date of birth and name of parent or guardian
- Cemeteries for birth date or age, maybe birth place
- Obituaries for any of the above and more
- See also Neighboring and Parent counties and How to Find Washington Birth Records.
Marriage[edit | edit source]
Y | M | |
Date of Marriage or License | ![]() |
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Names of Bride and Groom | ![]() |
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Ages | ![]() |
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Birth Places | ![]() |
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Residences | ![]() |
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Names of Parents | ![]() | |
Husband's Occupation | ![]() | |
Witnesses | ![]() |
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Minister or Officiator | ![]() |
Marriage records include certificates, marriage returns, license applications or affidavits. Counties kept the records until 1968, when the state took over.
Search all documents that exist for a marriage, since information on them will vary. |
See Washington Online Genealogy Records for indexes.
Also see Washington Marriage Records.
- 1801-1962 - Washington, United States Marriages at FindMyPast — index $
- 1847-2012 - Marriage Records, 1847-2012 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- 1855–2008 - Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008 at FamilySearch — index and images
- 1914-1950 - Marriage Returns,1914-1950, part of Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008 at FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- 1847-1900 - Marriage Returns, 1847-1991 Part of Washington, County Records, 1856-2009 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
- Includes:Marriage applications 1939-1991; Marriage certificates 1847-1900; Marriage register 1891-1938; Marriage returns 1914-1968.
- 1969-2014 - Washington Marriage Index, 1969-2014 at FamilySearch — index
Divorce[edit | edit source]
Divorce records give the names of the parties and may give the date and place of their marriage. See Washington Vital Records for excellent information.
Online Records
- 1969 - 2014 - Washington Divorce Index, 1969-2014 at FamilySearch — index
- County Divorce Records, 1852-1950 Part of "County Divorce Records, 1880-1924" FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
Death[edit | edit source]
Y | M | |
Name of Deceased | ![]() |
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Death Date and Place | ![]() |
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Age or Birth Date and Place | ![]() |
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Parent's Names | ![]() |
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Mother's Maiden Name | ![]() |
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Name of Spouse | ![]() | |
Residence | ![]() |
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Occupation | ![]() |
In 1891, coroners, physicians and midwives were to report (or return) all births and deaths under their supervision to County Auditors. On July 1, 1907, the State took over....[9]
See Washington Online Genealogy Records for indexes.
Also see Washington Death Records.
- Washington, County Death Registers, 1881-1922 at FamilySearch - How to use this collection, index
- Corner's record, 1913-1944 Part of Washington, County Records, 1856-2009 at FamilySearch Historical Collections. (Free, browse images)
- Includes Death records (transcription) 1891-1906; Death register 1891-1906.
Voting Registers[edit | edit source]
Websites[edit | edit source]
Check back often with these websites. Internet offerings are growing at record rates. Local societies and libraries may know of other websites. |
WAGenWeb for Lewis County | Free | Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions |
USGenWeb | Free | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions |
Washington State Digital Archives | Free | Includes indexes, some linked to images.
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FamilySearch Historical Collections | Free | Search indexes or browse images at FamilySearch.org.
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RootsWeb - Lewis WA | Free | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions |
Linkpendium | Free | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($) |
CyndisList | Free | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($) |
StateofUS.com | Free | "Lewis County, Washington Facts" |
Books, microfilm, or manuscripts of genealogical records | |
FamilySearch catalog | Select topics. To select towns, add a comma to the search box. |
WorldCat | To find nearby libraries that have specific items, see WorldCat Online Catalog. |
Allen County Public Library (Indiana) | |
Archives, Libraries, etc.[edit | edit source]
Resources for Lewis County, Washington Genealogy are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the state (including universities), and the nation.
- Check websites and catalogs, such as items in FamilySearch Library (Utah) or Allen County Public Library (Indiana) for Lewis County, Washington Genealogy. When you find items you'd like to access, see Get a Copy
Family History Centers[edit | edit source]
Family History 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 family history center.
Local Centers and Libraries
Libraries[edit | edit source]
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.
A library's Unique Collections may include card indexes of local records, newspapers, scrapbooks, genealogy papers, files of a genealogical or historical society, and other unpublished manuscripts. |
- Timberland Libraries - Lewis County
- Branches and Locations
- Genealogy / Data Base Tools
- Special or Unique Collections (help needed from each branch)
Museums[edit | edit source]
Societies[edit | edit source]
Populated Places[edit | edit source]
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:[10]
Cities | ||
Towns | ||
Unincorporated communities | ||
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Native American communities | ||
Census-designated places | ||
Ghost towns | ||
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‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington. accessed 18/07/2019
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America,10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).
- ↑ John H. Long, Atlas of Historical County Boundaries (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) online.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Lewis County, Washington page 733, At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL 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); FHL 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.
- ↑ John H. Long, Atlas of Historical County Boundaries (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) online.
- ↑ Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Birth Records, About this Collection
- ↑ About Death Records at Washington State Digital Archives.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Lewis County, Washington," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_County,_Washington, accessed 13 March 2019.