Washington County, Iowa Genealogy

∣ Societies and Family History Resources ∣ Government Records ∣ Genealogy Links ∣ Publications ∣ Census Records ∣
∣ Court, Probate, Land and Tax Records ∣ Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records and Death Records ∣
∣ Cemeteries & Graveyards ∣ Church & Bible Records ∣ County History ∣ Military Records ∣ Schools & Directories ∣

Washington County, Iowa genealogy and family tree research page. Discover links to record collections, history, and genealogy information that can help you trace your Washington Co., ancestors. Begin by creating a Free Family Tree.

Washington County

Washington County was established on January 18, 1838 from Unorganized Territory, Henry County , Louisa County, Muscatine County. The county was named in honor of George Washington (1732–1799), the first president of the United States

The County Seat is located in Washington and the county government website is http://co.washington.ia.us

Areas adjacent to Washington County are Iowa County (northwest), Johnson County (northeast), Louisa County (east), Henry County (southeast), Jefferson County (southwest), Keokuk County (west).

Cities and towns located in the county include Ainsworth, Brighton, Coppock, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, West Chester.

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Washington County Society and Family History Resources

A list of Washington County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Forums, Message Boards, Libraries, Archives. See Also Iowa Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.

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Washington County Courthouse and Government Records

Researchers frequently forget the importance of Washington County court, probate, and land files as a resource of genealogy and family history information and facts. Buried away in Iowa courthouses and archives everywhere could be the desires and frustrations of countless Iowa residents.

The possibilities are excellent that your ancestors and forefathers have left a in-depth document of at least quite a few factors of their lives in the Washington County court records. Even if your ancestors is not discussed in a Court case, give some thought to all of the other procedures which could have lead to her or him to appear in court records.

Remember to contact the clerk's department to validate hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics prior to visiting or requesting information because of many times changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The records and documents are available to interested parties, barring confidential issues. The majority of employees will help persons in locating the materials, but it's up to the person to undertake the basic research.

The following details shows what birth, death, marriage, property, probate, and legal records will be in Washington County. The years indicated below tend to be the first widely known records for this particular county.

  • Washington County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 220 W Main St, Washington, IA 52353
    • Phone: (319) 653-7741
  • Washington County Recorder's Office maintains official records of documents affecting title to real estate. Every real estate transaction that takes place begins in the Recorder's Office. One of the major duties of the office is the management of public records. As a result, accuracy and preservation of records are a must in the Recorder's Office. In addition to real estate transactions, the Recorder's Office issues titles and liens; records veterans discharge papers; processes passport applications; accepts marriage applications and issues the subsequent license; issues certified copies of birth, death and marriage records as well as other numerous duties.
    • Birth / Death Records: 1880
    • Marriage Records: 1839
    • Land Records: 1839
  • Washington County Clerk of Court manages and maintains all trial court records, including pleadings, evidence and orders. The clerks of court have hundreds of administrative duties. They accept and process fines, fees and court costs owed to the state, child support checks, and civil judgments owed to litigants. They maintain a record of liens on all real estate in the county. Clerks help with involuntary hospitalization cases. They have the authority to dispose of scheduled violations which are not contested and do not require a court hearing. Clerks are also responsible for informing state and local government agencies of court orders.
    • Probate Records: 1838 
    • Court Records: 1868 
  • Washington County Tax Assessor is responsible for assess and appraise all real estate and personal property, to have access to all public records of the county for the purpose of securing information pertaining to accurate listings of taxable property.
  • Iowa Office of Vital Records has copies of birth, marriage, divorce and death records. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Iowa for current fees and application process. Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.
Iowa Historical Records - Databases include Iowa Court, Land, Wills & Financial Records; Iowa Birth, Marriage & Death Records; Iowa Voter Lists & Census Records; Iowa Immigration & Emigration Records; Iowa Obituary Records; Iowa Military Records; Iowa Family Tree Records; Iowa Pictures; Iowa Stories, Memories & Histories; Iowa Directories & Member Lists and much more....
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Washington County Genealogy Links

The following are links to Genealogy, Records and Resources associated to Washington County. Many of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a cost. This is simply a list which has been compiled or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site over another. Feel free to furnish your own preferred Washington County genealogy or family history related sites.

Washington Co. IA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Washington Co. IA Birth, Marriage & Death Records

Washington Co. IA Court, Probate Land and Tax Records

Washington Co. IA Census Records

Washington Co. IA Cemeteries & Graveyards

Washington Co. IA Church & Bible Records

Washington Co. IA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Washington Co. IA General and History Websites

Washington Co. IA Immigration & Naturalization

Washington Co. IA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Washington Co. IA Military Records

  • See Also Statewide Military Links for Iowa
  • Iowa Military Records (fold3.com) provides you with easy access to military records, stories, photos, and personal documents belonging to the Iowa both males and females which served. Just the thing for Washington County genealogists, researchers, historians and more.
  • Iowa Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, 1885  (search.ancestry.com) This database contains a list of ex-soldiers, sailors, and marines who were living in Iowa in 1885.

Washington Co. IA Schools & Directories

  • Iowa Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1884-1885  (search.ancestry.com) This database contains the 1884-85 Iowa gazetteer and business directory. The gazetteer covers each city, town, village, and settlement in Iowa and includes a description of each place and a directory of the people engaged in business or the professions located there. 
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