Stevens County, Washington Genealogy
Guide to Stevens County Washington ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records, since 1863, when the county was formed.
Stevens County, Washington | |
Map | |
![]() Location in the state of Washington | |
![]() Location of Washington in the U.S. | |
Facts | |
Founded | January 20, 1863 |
---|---|
County Seat | Colville |
Courthouse | |
Address | Stevens County Courthouse 215 S. Oak Colville, WA 99114 Stevens County Website |
Contents
- 1 County Overview
- 2 Topics
- 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 Schools
- 2.27 Taxation
- 2.28 Vital Records
- 2.29 Voting Registers
- 2.30 Websites
- 3 Archives, Libraries, etc.
- 4 Populated Places
- 5 References
County Overview[edit | edit source]
Before the newly-formed county was fully operational, search records of the parent county(s). |
Description[edit | edit source]
The County was named for Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory. The County is located in the northeast area of the state.[1]
Parent County(s)[edit | edit source]
The area was original called Spokane County (listed by the Newberry Library as Spokane Original) and was formed from Walla Walla County on 29 January 1860. On 20 January 1863, Stevens County was also created from Walla Walla County but did not organize. On 19 January 1864, the original Spokane County and Stevens County were merged keeping the Original Spokane commissioners, Pinkney City courthouse, and the Stevens County name [2]
County Seat: Colville [3]. See also Towns and Communities in Stevens County, Washington Genealogy. For Courthouse, see Archives, libraries, etc.
Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]
- Historical County Boundaries from Newberry Library[4]
Dates of Major County Records[edit | edit source]
Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
1891 | 1859 | 1891 | 1882 | 1883 | 1887 | 1850 |
General compliance by 1917. |
Record Loss[edit | edit source]
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.
Topics[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 Stevens 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]
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 | ||
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. |
- Crossroads on the Columbia List of Cemeteries
Census[edit | edit source]
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
For the 1860 Census, look for Spokane County and the Colville Valley or Coleville Valley. |
- Census Records 1885-1892 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Census indexes at Washington State Digital Archives: (Free)
For Colville and Spokane Indians in the 1917 to 1939 Indian censuses, query on Ancestry.com for the year, search for the first tribal member, then click on Colville and Spokane Reservations. See Washington State Digitial Archives and some Indian Censuses. Microfilm held at the FHC Colville. |
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 Stevens County, Washington Genealogy are listed in the FamilySearch catalog. (Press space bar to select town.)
Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Colville 260 E. Juniper, Colville, WA 99114.
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
1885–1889 Stevens County Court Case Index is available at the Washington State Digital Archives
- Inventory of the county archives of Washington, no. 33. Stevens County (Colville) (If the link does not work, go to ancestry.com ($), click Search, select Card Catalog, paste Title into search box, click Search)
- Court Records1882-1983 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Appearance docket 1896-1962; District and Superior Court records 1889-1892; District Court records 1882-1889; Miscellaneous court records 1977-1983.
- Stevens Frontier Justice. Part of "Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889 at Washington State Digital Archives. (Free Index, no images)
- The court procedure of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of Washington Territory. The index has many abstracts that provide names and what is happening in disputes, settlements in civil and criminal cases as well as probate, equity and admiralty cases.
Directories[edit | edit source]
- Pacific Coast Directory, 1867 is available at Ancestry.com ($).
- R.L. Polk's Directory of Stevens County, Washington, 1909-1910, at SCHS.
- R.L. Polk's Directory of Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry Counties 1911-1912 at Crossroads on the Columbia
- R.L. Polk's Directory of Stevens, Pend Oreille and Ferry Counties 1916-17, at SCHS.
- Telephone Directories for Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties for 1929 and 1930
- Other telephone directories available at Crossroads on the Columbia
Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]
Ethnic, Political or Religious Groups[edit | edit source]
American Indian[edit | edit source]
Many Indian tribes came to the area to fish at Kettle Falls[6]. Colville Indians oversaw the salmon catch at Kettle Falls. The Spokane Indians and Spokane Indian Reservation is located in southwestern Stevens County. A small group of the Kalispel Indians lived at Indian Ridge south of Chewelah[7].
- 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]
- Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory. NeWGS and SCHS have extractions of these funeral home records.
Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]
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.

Genealogy Research Aids
- Basic Guide for Genealogy Research in Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties by Nancy Wright, Susan DeChant, and Shirley Dodson of NeWGS.
Guardianship[edit | edit source]
Guardianship of orphans or adults unable to manage their own affairs were handled by the probate and the District courts. See Washington Court Records.
History[edit | edit source]
Local histories for Stevens County, Washington Genealogy may include biographies, history of churches, schools, local government with names of officials, military information, and more. See Washington Local Histories.
Land claimed by British and American governments
- "Illustrated history of the Big Bend country" by Western Historical Publishing Company [(Spokane, Wash.): Western Historical Pub. Co., 1904]
- Some Pertinent Facts and Information Concerning Stevens County, Washington: For the Homeseeker and the Investor by C. H. Pierce [S L.: s.m., 1908?]
- Illustrated History of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan Counties, State of Washington by Richard F. Steele [(Spokane, Wash.): Western Historical Pub. Co., 1904] Commonly known by title History of North Washington. Online at Washington Secretary of State site (Free).
- This book has numerous errors and its facts should viewed with circumspection.
- History Of The City of Spokane and Spokane County, Washington, From Its Earliest Settlement To The Present Time, volume 1 by Nelson Wayne Durham [Spokane-Chicago-Philadelphia: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912] (Online from Google Books) First 13 chapters cover Stevens County and is well researched.
- The Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History (History Link)
- The Heritage Network volunteer, non-profit organization formed to assist heritage groups discover and preserve historical resources within their respective communities in Northeast Washington and British Columbia Canada
- [1]"Stevens County GenWeb" online
- "NeWGS" online
- Numerous local history books are available through Libraries of Stevens County, for purchase from NeWGS and SCHS. Query World Cat.com for Stevens County (Wash.) History for a list of titles.
History Timeline[edit | edit source]
See also Historical County Boundaries from Newberry Library[8],
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. Stevens County -- Thumbnail History, History Link.org Essay 7995.
A detailed timeline is also available at crossroadsarchive.org |
- 1811 - David Thompson, Northwest Company visited the area bringing in seed to the Marcus area.[9]
- 1814 - Ross Cox visits the area and local tribes
- 1818 - With the signing of the Treaty of 1818, British and American jointly claimed the area which includes Stevens County.
- 1825 - Hudson's Bay Company began construction of Fort Colvile.[10]
- 1828 - Hudson's Bay Company's Fort Colville existed from 1828 to 1856. A map of the Hudson Bay Company land claims for Fort Colvile and their trappers is available at the Stevens County Historical Society.
- 1838 - Missionaries Walker and Eells established Tshimakain Mission near present day Ford.[11]
- 1845 - Catholic missionaries established a mission near Chewelah.[12]
- 1846 Aug 5 - Oregon Treaty ended border dispute between US and Great Britain[13] creating a border between the two countries along the 49th parallel.
- 1848 Aug 14 - The U.S. portion was organized as the Oregon Territory
- 1853 Feb 8 - The Washington Territory was formed February 8, 1853.
- 1854 Apr 25 - Walla Walla County was created 25 April 1954 from Clark County and Skamania County. The area included current Stevens County.[14]
- 1856 - Prior to 1856, the Hudson's Bay Company controlled most of the land in what is now Stevens County. Their records are available through The Manitoba Archives and The National Archives (UK). Map showing HBC Fort Colvile holdings at Crossroads on the Columbia.
- 1858 Jan 29 - Spokane County (including current area of Stevens County) was created from Walla Walla County. [15]
- 1858 - A gold strike in British Columbia brought miners through the area, which triggered unrest with the local Indians and started the Indian War of 1858.
- 1859 - Harney's Depot, US Army Fort Colville established along with Pinkney City and the first post office; Fort Walla Walla Fort Colville Military (Wagon) Road built by Brevet Major Pinkney Lugenbeel and U.S. Army soldiers.[16]
- 1859 - U. S. Northwest Boundary Commission moved to Pinkney City and the British Boundary Commission moved to Marcus for their respective portions of the boundary survey from Port Roberts to the summit of the Rocky Mountains. [17]
- 1860 - Spokane County seat was located near Pinkney City.[18]
- 1863 Jan 20 - Stevens County was created. It covered current Okanogan and Ferry Counties and the portion of current Stevens County between the Kettle River and Columbia River.[19]
- 1864 Jan 19 - Spokane County was disorganized and placed under Stevens County. County went from summit of Cascade Mountains to the Wenachee River, to the Columbia River, along the Snake River, to the Idaho Territory, then up to the 49th parallel. [20]
- 1871 - Hudson's Bay Company Fort Colvile ended its occupation[21]
- 1879 - Spokane County broken off from Stevens County
- 1881 - 1st Lt Thomas Symons examinated the Columbia River and reported on its navigability.
- 1882 - US Fort Colville disbanded.[22]
- 1889 Nov 11 - Washington State was formed November 11, 1889.
- 1892-1893 - The railroad was completed in 1892-93.[23]
- 1899 Feb 21 - Ferry County was created from Stevens County.[24]
- 1909-1910 - Colville River dredged opening up agriculture in the area
- 1911 Mar 1 - Pend Oreille County was created bringing us to what is Stevens County today.[25]
Land and Property[edit | edit source]
Yes or Maybe ⇒ | Y | M |
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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.
Stevens County Auditor's Office land records start 1862. Earliest land records were recorded under the Preemption Act of 1841. All the county land records have been digitized and available upon request.
Original homestead records are available at the Bureau of Land Management Federal Land Records Website. The first general land office patent listed on this website was granted May 1884.
To view a Township, Range, Section map within Stevens County *Go to the Stevens County Assessor's website *Look for Parcel Information on Assessor's/Treasurer's Site" and click on it. Agree to the terms of use, click on "I Agree" at least twice when first using this feature. *Enter a parcel number, legal description, or address. In Mapsifter, zoom in close enough to see the blue lines indicating property lines. If not sure of the specific Township/Range, Parcel number, or legal description, click on the Mapsifter tab and it will call up a map of the county. Click on it and then either use the mouse or the control device on the bottom right to zoom and move about the map. These records are current to five years back and provide a lot of detail about the property and current owners.
Bureau of Land Managment General Land Records Office has an explanation of the township/range system, as does Wikipedia;as well as Family Search Wiki.
The BLM also has Cadastral and other survey information at Oregon and Washington Land Status and Cadastral Record, please note this is separate from the survey dropdown on the main glorecords.blm.gov page. To aid in search, the northwest corner of the county is in township 40N Range 36E; the northeast corner is township 40N range 42E; the southwest corner is township 28N range 35E; and the southeast corner is in township 27N range 42E. Per the records clerk at the BLM Spokane Office (Fancher Road) they have NARA microfilms of the railroad land transactions for their assigned area to include Stevens County. Convert latitude and longitude of the desired location to township/range using the converter at Earthpoint.
- Land and Property 1860-1984 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Chattel mortgage index 1886-1984; Inventory of separate property of women 1887-1904; Miscellaneous clerk records 1860-1976.
Maps[edit | edit source]
This map highlights the county within the state of Washington.
The map soon will have inter-active links.
- Downloadable current maps in PDF are available at the Stevens County GIS Mapbook page.
- An extensive collection of Oregon Territory, Washington Territory, and Washington State maps is available Department of Geography University of Alabama Map Library
- 1883 Map of the Colville agricultural area from the Washington State Library
- Historic USGS topographical maps. The 1941 maps along the Columbia River show the river and towns prior to Lake Roosevelt forming as well as the lake after it forms.
- 1880 map of Oregon & Washington Territory, issued by the Oregon Railway and Navigation Co. is available at Ancestry.com$
- 1890 map of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company including Eastern Washington is available at Ancestry.com$
- 1910 Map of the Spokane Indian Reservation is available at Ancestry.com$
Atlases, Gazetteers, Maps held by Stevens County Historical Society
- Two early County Engineer's maps
- Undated early partly platted lower British Columbia, Columbia River
- 1810-1871 coast to coast territory covered by artist Paul Kane for Hudson Bay
- 1863 state map showing which areas have been surveyed
- 1863 county map showing place names
- 1870 Colville and north end
- 1870-1883 Colville area, shows cemeteries, etc.
- 1887 survey of military Fort Colville
- 1890 two sections of Meyers Falls
- 1903 Colville area, shows cemeteries, etc
- 1910 railroad map, Stevens and Bonner County, Idaho
- 1911 section map
- 1912 Original Triplicate Copy of the Northwesten Mutual Fire Association, Seattle Washington (Sanborn Maps) for Colville with viewable corrections.
- 1929 Original Triplicate Copy of the Northwesten Mutual Fire Association, Seattle Washington (Sanborn Maps) Northport with viewable corrections.
- 1952 county topography map
- 1963 Metsker's book of maps
- Original Stevens County plat maps (complete collection)
- Colville region topography
- Old Colville City map
- City of Colville
- Map of Kettle Falls
- Sanborn Insurnance Maps (shows buildings)
- State Highway Map
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]
Fort Colville, located three miles northeast of the current City of Colville, was established June 20, 1859. Initial troops were from the Company A and Company E of the Ninth Infantry under command of Capt. Pinkney Lugenbeel. U.S. Fort Colville was ordered closed September 20, 1882.
More information about the U.S. troops and members of the American Border Commission is available in Colville Collection Book Two: Military Fort Colville by Patrick J. Graham A history of Military Fort Colville (1859-1882) including its officers, and historical manuscripts of events of that period in Colville and northeastern Washington. ....169 pages plus index. Book is available at NeWGS
A report to Congress regarding expenditures of the Northwest Boundary Commission details all the vendors throughout the Northwest Territory for items and services purchased and employees from 1857 to 1869. Another version is available on Google Books, search for 40th Congress 3d Session House of Representatives Ex. Doc No. 86 Northwest Boundary Commission. Colville Valley merchants and farmers provided support to the commission.
Civil War Veterans Buried in Stevens County by Roger W. May Information on almost 300 veterans who are buried in or have lived in Stevens County ….219 pages with 217 photos. Book is available at NeWGS
- 1921-1925 - Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records, 1921-1925 at FamilySearch — index
- Veterans Affairs, Department of, World War I Service Statement Cards, 1917-1919 at WA State Digital Archives -- images and index.
"World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel from Washington" at the [2]. Query for the exact title; go to the Digital Copies tab, and page through to Stevens County to view those service members who died during WWII.
Stevens County Vietnam War Casualties NeWGS
- Military Records 1892-1928 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Certificates of adjustment for veterans 1925-1928; Military register 1892-1893.
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.
- Washington State Digital Archives has digitized various types of naturalization-related records for Stevens County, Washington Genealogy:
- Naturalization Records, 1906-1974 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Register of Petitions for Naturalization, 1929-1951 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Registers of Applications and Orders of Naturalization, 1888-1906 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Registers of Declarations of Intention, 1886-1973 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection. (Free)
- Naturalization and Citizenship 1868-1950 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Affidavits of petitioner and witnesses 1868-1906; Declarations of intention 1886-1946; Declarations of intention, petition evidence 1885-1946; Naturalization index 1882-1907; Petition evidence, special naturalizations, orders of the court 1914-1950; Petitions for naturalization 1888-1951; Petitions for naturalization and petition evidence 1890-1929.
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.
Finding More Washington Newspapers
Additional newspapers abstracts can sometimes be found using search phrases such as Stevens 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)
- Early Washington newspapers covered the Colville area, particularly the Walla Walla Statesman. Query "Colville" in the Washington State Library's online historical newspaper collection.
- Colville Examiner 1907-1922 is available online thanks to the Washington State Library, Library of Congress, and the U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities.
- The WA National Digital Newspaper Program wiki part of the National Digital Newspaper Project provides the digitization status of state newspapers.
- The Loon Lake Times 1911 to 1913 editions. Query Loon Lake Historical Society Collection and keyword of newspaper.
- The Statesman-Examiner is published weekly in Colville. Precursors to this newspaper, the Colville Republican, Stevens County Standard, the Colville Index, and the Stevens County Statesman-Index for the 1892 to 1897 time frame are available in pdf format at Crossroads on the Columbia items 12945 to 13949.
- The Chewelah Independent has been published weekly since 1903. Microfilms of the newspaper up to 1960 are available at the Kettle Falls Public Library. The Chewelah Public Library has digital copies of the newpaper from 2010 to current.
- An extensive collection of local newspapers on microfilm is available at the Kettle Falls Public Library and some others at the Colville Public Library and Stevens County Historical Society. The NeWGS maintains a listing of these papers.
- The Spokane Public Library Downtown Branch has a large microfilm collection of Spokane papers, which has some coverage of Stevens 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 Stevens County, Washington Genealogy
- Local Funeral Homes, Libraries, or family records.
- Obituaries of neighboring counties
The Stevens County Historical Society and the Northeast Washington Genealogical Society maintain separate newspaper obituary lists for deaths recorded for Stevens County-connected individuals. The Loon Lake Historical Society maintains obituary listings for the Loon Lake and Deer Lake area residents.
Periodicals[edit | edit source]
The Northeast Washington Genealogical Society (NeWGS) publication, Pioneer Branches is available at the Colville Public Library (part of the Libraries of Stevens County), Allen County Public Library, and through the society. Indexes are available on Persi from 1986 to 2007.
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.
Stevens County Probate records are available at the courthouse. Authorized members of the NeWGS can research microfilms of these records.
- Probate Records 1915-1916 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse 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.
- Stevens Postmaster Index. Part of Washington, Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965, FamilySearch Historical Collections for Washington. (Free, browse images)
- Stevens County Board of Commissioners, Meetings, 1860-1913, 2005-2007 includes early tax assessment lists and equalization changes, jury duty lists, roads and school districts creation, contacts awarded and bills, elected and appointed officials, incorporation of towns in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille towns and other information. Images at Washington State Digitial Archives with ongoing extractions in pdf format.
Schools[edit | edit source]
All schools in Stevens County are under the Northeast Washington Educational Service District 101 located at Regal Center 4202 S. Regal Street, Spokane, WA 99223-7738, phone number (p.) 509-789-3800
- School Records 1915-1932 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- ESD 101 records at the Washington State Archives at Cheney include item EA801-36-14 Pioneer Interviews (Stevens County) for 1933-47; item EA801-36-1 School Census (Stevens County) school census records for 1915-32, and other early school records. The Digital Archives also has a 1927 Spokane County School District map.
- The Last Bell by Alpha Naff (reprinted 2005 by NeWGS) A history of the rural schools in Stevens County ….152 pages, indexed. Available at at NeWGS and the Libraries of Stevens County.
- The Crossroads on the Columbia project has school records for Chewelah, Hunters, and Loon Lake.
- The Stevens County Historical Society (SCHS) has the October 1897 to June 1904 bound ledger record of teachers' contracts.
- SCHS has the August 1891 to 1901 School District No. 32, Pleasant Valley Pupil Attendence Binder.
- SCHS has the School District No. 2 Colville Schools Board of Director Minutes, May 15, 1903 – April 8, 1920
- The Internet Archives has an article about Washington State Teacher's Cottages in 1915 by Josephine Corliss Preston
Online Catalogs
Digital Collections
- Eastern Washington University Digital Collection
- Gonzaga University Digital Collection
- University of Washington Digital Collection
- Washington State University Digital Collection
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.
The SCHS has the county assessor's personal property tax ledgers for 1898 to 1906, 1912 to 1935, and 1931 to 1935. Images of the 1898 to 1906 ledgers are viewable on the Crossroads on the Columbia project.
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]
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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.[26]
See Washington Online Genealogy Records for indexes.
Also see Washington Birth Records.
- Birth Records 1891-1907 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Birth register 1891-1907; Births 1891-1907.
- Register of Births, 1891-1907 at Washinton State Digital Archives Collection (Free)
- 1891–1907 and 1907-1919 Washington State Births are available at Ancestry.com$
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]
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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 $
- 1855–2008 - Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008 at FamilySearch — index and images
- 1859–1891 -Marriages from 3 Jun 1859 to 15 Feb 1891 are available at the Western States Marriage Index website.
- 1860–2008 - Marriages are available at Washington State Digital Archives.
- 1885-2002 - Marriage Records 1885-2002 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- Includes Marriage affidavits 1886-1939; applications index 1939-2002; certificates & index 1889-1944; certificates 1912-1947; Marriage index-direct 1911-1922; Marriage licenses index-direct Marriage statistics 1911-1939; Marriage records index-direct 1885-1947; Marriage statistics 1891-1939.
- 1859-2008 - Marriage Records, 1859-2008 at Washington State Digital Archives Collection.(Free)
- 1969-2014 - Washington Marriage Index, 1969-2014 at FamilySearch — index
Early years: People in the south end of the county went to Lincoln or Spokane county to get married. Those in the north part of the county caught the ore train to Rossland or Trail, British Columbia.[27] (Check British Columbia Online Genealogy Records.) |
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.
- 1969-2014 - Washington Divorce Index, 1969-2014 at FamilySearch — index
Death[edit | edit source]
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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....[27]
See Washington Online Genealogy Records for indexes.
Also see Washington Death Records.
- Death Records 1891-1907 Part of: County Records, 1856-2009 FamilySearch Historical Collections (Free, browse images)
- See what genealogical information may be in these records.
- 1891–1907 Washington State Deaths are available at Ancestry.com$
- 1940–1996 Washington State Death Index is available at Ancestry.com$
- Washington Death Certificates 1907-1960 A free internet index to the 1907-1960 death certificates can be found at FamilySearch Record Search, no images are available. A transcribed death certificate may contain such information as name of the deceased, date and place of death, age, gender, birth date and birth place, mother’s maiden name and name of spouse, place of residence, occupation and certificate numbers.
"Stevens County is long and narrow, bisected by the Huckleberry Mountains running north and south through the middle.
- In the early days, travel was difficult and there were almost no roads. During the winter it was impossible to go very far, so people often did their "marrying" and "burying" in Lincoln County if they lived along the River at the south end of the county. They also went to Spokane County for supplies or to get married.
- "The railroad was completed in 1892-93. Lincoln County seat is located in Davenport, WA 99122. The address for the proper office in Rossland is: Vital Record, Court Registry, Box 639, Rossland, B.C. VOG 1YO, phone 604-362-7368."[28]
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 Stevens County | Free | Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions |
Northeast Washington Genealogical Society includes Stevens 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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Websites at RootsWeb - Stevens 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 | "Stevens County, Washington Facts" (mis-labeled "Stevens County, Alabama 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]
See also a List of Washington Archives, Libraries, Publications, Historical & Genealogical Societies
Resources for Stevens 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 Stevens County, Washington Genealogy. When you find items you'd like to access, see Get a Copy
Colville National Forest Collection on Washington Rural Heritage has maps, photographs, and early history.
Stevens County Heritage on Washington Rural Heritage has digital copies of ledgers and photographs of the Kettle Falls area, other parts of Stevens County and neighboring counties.
Courthouse[edit | edit source]
- Stevens County Courthouse
215 S. Oak
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: 509-684-7512
Stevens County Website
Auditor's Office, Room 106, holds records including military discharges (restricted to family only), homesteads, land records from 1862 to now. Land deed records have been digitized, but they are NOT available online. The auditor staff does have digital images of the deeds and can provide them promptly upon request. Land Deed volume D is missing. For Volume D, the indexes may provide basic data like the surname plus initial of the grantor or grantee and an abbreviated land description, but some only direct the person to the actual record. The Auditor's Office can provide copies of marriage licenses although the actual records were transferred to the State Archives at Cheney.
Stevens County Commissioner's Office, 230 East Birch St, Colville, phone 509-684-3751, holds the County Commissioner's minutes. Stevens County Board of County Commissioners, Meetings, 1860-1913 are available online.
Check the inventory collection for the Eastern Washington Region of the State Regional Archives at Cheney for many of the older records births and deaths from 1886 on, marriage records, mining patents, mortgage recordings, as these have been moved to the archives for safekeeping.
Court Clerk Office, phone 509-684-7575 holds records for divorce, naturalization, and court cases from 1889. The NeWGS volunteers have permission to access the probate microfilms and can make copies of these records upon request.
Family History Centers[edit | edit source]
Family History Centers provide one-on-one assistance and free access to premium genealogical websites. In addition, many centers have free how-to genealogy classes.
- For current information about a center near you, go to the Family History Center Map
- Colville Washington Family History Center 260 E Juniper, Colville, WA 99114 United States Location Map
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. |
- Wellpinit Library Station
Stevens County Rural Library District
Spokane Tribal Library
Wellpinit, WA 99040
Phone: 877-231-5500 - Libraries of Stevens County
- Branch links, locations and hours
- Some unique collections in specific branches:
- Chewelah Public Library - Digital copies of recent Chewelah Independent newspapers.
- Colville Public Library - Home for the Northeast Washington Genealogical Society books, many local history books, microfilms of Colville Examiner newspapers, U. S. Fort Colville military records, and Washington State Death Index.
- Kettle Falls Public Library - Microfilms of local newspapers and large collection of local history books.
Museums[edit | edit source]
Societies[edit | edit source]
- Northeast Washington Genealogical Society assists those researching in Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens County. Classes and meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month. Mailing address is Northeast Washington Genealogical Society, c/o Colville Public Library, 195 S Oak, Colville, WA 99114.
- The NeWGS publication, Pioneer Branches is available at the Colville Public Library (part of the Libraries of Stevens County), Allen County Public Library, and through the society. Indexes are available on PERSI from 1986 to 2007.
- Clayton/Deer Park Historical Society has records for the Williams Valley area and Town of Clayton.
- Loon Lake Historical Society has an extensive collection of photographs, ledgers, loose papers, and family histories for the Loon Lake and Deer Lake areas, and a number of Clayton documents.
- Stevens County Historical Society at 700 N Wynne St. P.O. Box 25, Colville, WA 99114 maintains the Keller House and Stevens County Museum. Researchers at the museum's Jim McMillan Research and Reference Library provides detailed reports on research requests.
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:[29]
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Ghost towns | ||
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City of Chewelah council minutes from 1903 to 2009.
City of Colville council minutes from 1890 to 2006.
Marcus Town council minutes from 1910 to 1940, 1968 to 2010.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Stevens County, Washington," in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevens_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), Stevens 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.
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7577
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 9534
- ↑ John H. Long, Atlas of Historical County Boundaries (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) online.
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 8677
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7993
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7204
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 9534
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 5247
- ↑ Washington State Archives p. 716-717.
- ↑ Washington State Achives, P.621.
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7992
- ↑ Joseph S. Harris and the U. S. Northwest Boundary Commission 1857-61, Streeter, Anne P., Trafford On Demand Publication, 2012.
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7995
- ↑ Washington State Archives. p. 6.
- ↑ Washington State Archives. p. 70.
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7993
- ↑ HistoryLink.org Essay 7992
- ↑ Basic Guide for Genealogy Research in Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties by Nancy Wright, Susan DeChant, and Shirley Dodson of NeWGS.
- ↑ Washington State Archives, p. 26-29.
- ↑ Washington State Archives. p. 98-106.
- ↑ Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Birth Records, About this Collection
- ↑ About Death Records at Washington State Digital Archives.
- ↑ Basic Guide for Genealogy Research in Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties by Nancy Wright, Susan DeChant, and Shirley Dodson of NeWGS.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Stevens County, Washington," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevens_County,_Washington, accessed 26 March 2019.
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