Submitting a Query
Please use the Query Form to post queries to this page. Queries must mention a connection to Cowlitz County, WA. For best results, include as much information as you can in your query - for example, approximate time periods, locations within Cowlitz County, etc. Please note that queries are not automatically posted to this page. I generally update the site on weekends, so your query will appear no later than the first weekend after I receive your query. I will notify you as soon as your query is posted.
Ken Kothe Tues., Nov. 13, 2001
LEEPER, Earl & Ethil. Bur. in Longview. Does anyone have cemetery records to tell me what cemetery? Thanks so much. Ken in Iowa.
Jack Hobaugh Mond., Nov. 12, 2001
Found in 1920 census, Cowlitz Co., WA: William Hobaugh 24, b. OR, Amy 18, b. WA. Any additional info? Thanks, Jack.
Marie Sat., Oct. 27, 2001
Looking for information concerning the Forbes Family that lived in Clark & Cowlitz county. My grandfather ( I have all of his info.), was Ernest C. Forbes, he was married to Nettie (Dood) Bledsoe Forbes. Looking for his father's (James Martin Forbes) brothers and sisters, dates, names, where were they born. And who were their parents. James Martin Forbes was born 1853 in Martintown, Ontario, Canada. Who was his wife, etc. Any help will be of great importance.
Mary Houser Mon., Oct. 8, 2001
Looking for information on burial sites for Sarah (Sadie) Mustard/Mustered Lafady and her husband Chance Lafady. She died after 1912 in Cowlitz County, WA and he died 1941 in Castle Rock, WA. They were both born in Illinois. Looking for information on their children-probably Arnold, Clarence and Murven. And any other information available.
Harlan Pittelkau Mon., Oct. 8, 2001
While at the Southwest Regional Archives at Olympia I also recovered a copy of one for a "Neeman Pach" (could be Herman) who became a citizen on the same day for which my grandfather (August Pittelkau) was one of the two attesters. (A copy of this certificate are posted here.
My family was in Cowlitz County from at least 1891 to 1911 or early 1912. I have moved our Internet site to a new site that is in collaboration with a research associate in Germany. It is www.pettelkau-pittelkau-international.de.
I still have the picture of the Pittelkau family school on the site. I believe that it was located at the property near Carrols and not at the land purchased in 1900 in the eastern part of Rose Valley. There are also tax information pages there for 1894 and 1910 that are very interesting. Each of my pages linked from my directory page has its own, complete URL so they sometimes take a few seconds, sometimes minutes, to download depending on the density of the page.
Cathy Hutchinson-Larkins Thurs., Aug. 30, 2001
I have been trying for 3 years now to locate where my great uncle is buried.
1.I have a power of Attorney from Cowlitz county stating that David Hutchinson died in Kelso.
2.I have a copy of an notice stating that David M Hutchinson son of David K and Eliza Hutchinson drowned near his home in Kelso Washington state, they lived in Freeborn County,MN. This notice says he lived in Washington for 22 years!
3.I have David Hutchinson's probate records from Cowlitz county....His estate wasn't settled until 1907 and the man died abt 8 June
BUT he is not listed on the death index, there doesn't seem to be death certificate, no burial place, no obit for Cowlitz county. He owned alot of property in Kelso: Lots 7 & 8 of block 19...Lots 7 & 8 of block 31 and block 53 all in Kelso. Sooooooooo somewhere there has to be something that tells of where he was buried....Or an article in a local newspaper in Cowlitz county somewhere! For a man who owned so much and lived there so long, why can't a burial place be located! I looked in his parents home town, but he wasn't sent there. BUT if he drowned, was a body found? I would say yes or how would they know he drowned... A Miss Hattie C. Dix had a claim as a creditor against the estate until 1907 when it was finally thrown out of court, she had been denied as a creditor several times but kept putting a $800.00 claim against the estate. That was alot of money back then and according to the probate records David wasn't even worth that much. Soooo his estate was settled 6 years after his death. Hmmmmmmmmm. I thank you for any help you can send my way. I am very furstrated with this surname...
Linda Nimer Tues., Aug. 1, 2001
I am looking for information on three siblings who moved to the Kelso/Longview area sometime in the 1920's-1930's. Charles, Leonard, and Alice Harvill came to the area from Eagle Valley in Oregon. Am interested in any information available. Alice married Lorenzo Albert Hurley. All three of the brothers and sisters proceeded to have large families.
Don Williams Mon., July 23, 2001
I am wondering if anyone in the area might have any information regarding the Ryderwood area. My family lived there for a couple of years right after WW II and my next youngest brother was born there. My father's name was Victor H. Williams, Mother was Dorothy. I am Don, there was a Ron and Jack was b. in 1946. We lived on a dairy farm that was owned by someone else and my father ran it for him. I remember that when you leave town headed towards the east, no freeway at that time, you went around a curve to the left and the dairy farm was on the left. There was a pond or creek on the property. Anyway, if anyone has any information on this area, or this dairy farm, please let me know. Thanks.
Heatherdawn Sun., July 15, 2001
Looking for anyone with connections to the C. Letcher Sadler Family. Letcher and wife, Emma Corn, had at least 3 sons, Virgil Monroe, Oley Ray, & John "Jack" N. who were born in Washington - at least one, Oley Ray, was born (January 26, 1893) in Kelso, Cowlitz County per Oley's obit. The family moved to So. CA in 1909.
Tom Bradler Sun., July 15, 2001
I'm looking for information about my Greatuncle Claude RATCLIFFE and his family who lived in the Longview/Kelso area. I believe he had one son Art RATCLIFFE. Claude was probably born around 1890 in Virginia. I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Gayle Ryans Fri., July 6, 2001
I am looking for any info on the LEE ALSTON family that left Palio Pinto County, Texas and went Longveiw, Washington in November of 1928. Mrs. Alston was my husband's great-Aunt and we are searching for them. Thank you.
Jennifer Hinds Fri., July 6, 2001
I am trying to find information on Robert Lee King. Here is what I know
about him.
*Born about 1895 or 1896, probably in Nebraska or Ohio.
*24th of December 1917: married Stella Mae Jones in Pocatello, Bannock
County Idaho. (Stella Mae Jones was born in Enterprize, Carter Co, KY on
the 3rd of March 1899.)
*28th of April 1918: birth of child (June Oletta King). On child's
birth certificate Robert Lee King is listed as a mechanic.
*On the 2nd of September 1919, Stella Mae Jones divorced him in Cowlitz
Co, WA Superior Court (case No. 4247).
*1920: Robert Lee King is listed as divorced and a fireman on a steamboat
in the census. (Kelso, Cowlitz Co, WA; enum. dist 44)
Robert Lee King may have remarried and had other children.
Hazel Murray Wed., May 30, 2001
Is there a researcher who could lookup a birth record in Woodland? The birth record is for Evelyn Mildred Beaston b. January 1910 in Woodland. Her parents were Louis M. and Florence L. Beaston. I think the family left Woodland shortly after Evelyn was born and moved to Walla Walla, WA. I am also looking for a kind person who could lookup the marriage record of Louis M. Beaston and Florence L. Barnard. They would have been married between 1907 and 1910 in Cowlitz county. One more lookup request! Could someone check the school records (elementary and Junior high) in Woodland and Ryderwood for Evelyn M. Beaston? The lookup dates would be between 1906 and 1926. There may also be records for Hazel Beaston. Thank you so much.
Cathy Larkins Fri., May 18, 2001
I am searching for the descedants of one Richard Rasmussen and John Pollard
of Kelso, Cowlitz County 1892. They were witnesses to my great grandparents
(Grant Hutchinson & Eliza Jantzen) wedding, their names are signed on the
marriage certificate. I have recently received several old photo's that
suppose to be connected to my HUTCHINSON line. One of the photos is suppose
to be of a Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen. I am hoping that by finding descedants of the Richard RASMUSSEN and John POLLARD I will find my great grandfather Grant C. HUTCHINSON. I thank you for any help you can send my way... (View photos Cathy sent with this query.)
Linda Mesinar Fri., May 18, 2001
Hello I am just starting my HUNTINGTON family research and am looking for information on this family and will share any info I have. John Dorsey HUNTINGTON (b.8-14-1847) in Nashville, Brown Co., Indiana came across the plains with his parents in 1852. He married Alma Ada Williams (b.1856) of Fairaboo, Pope County, Minnesota. One of their daughters is my Great Grandmother Annie Belle HUNTINGTON, who married Paul P. Kolstrup in 1880 in Cowlitz County, WA - at the home of her father John Dorsey Huntington. There were two witnesses listed, S.B. HUNTINGTON and Sarah HUNTINGTON, I have no idea who they are. On my Great Grandfather Kolstrup's naturalization application two of the witnesses were: Wallace HUNTINGTON and James HUNTINGTON, from Cowlitz County, I have no idea who these two are either. Annie Belle's sisters and brothers are listed in the family history as: Dr. Walter D., Hannah, Zenas, Laura, Elsie, and Remi.
Cathy Larkins Fri., April 28, 2001
Looking for a photo studio...A. G. Churchley. I recently came into some very
old family photos of my gr grandparents Grant and Eliza Hutchinson and their
sons Harry and Arthur..I am guesing these photos to have been taken abt 1895. Grant and Eliza were married 1 May 1892 Harry looks to be abt 2 1/2 born 1893 and Arthur looks to be abt 1 born 1894 in the photos. The photos have alot of advertising of the photo studio on the backs. I thank you for any help you can send my way.
Roger McCumber Sun., April 22, 2001
I'm looking for information on the NOAH family of Cowlitz County. Jacob NOAH b abt 1848 married Almira Catherine McCUMBER 7 Nov 1870 in Douglas Co., OR. Jacob died in 1877 leaving Almira with 3 children, George, Jacob, & Emma. She remarried Joseph NOAH abt 1880. (Unsure of relationship of Jacob & Joseph.) They had 3 children, Maggie, Creed, & Josie. Almira died 9 Feb 1899 in Portland. Joseph then married Ora Rhodes of Boistfort and they moved to Castle Rock. oseph was killed in a logging accident near Castle Rock. He and Almira are buried at Winlock. I'd be happy to share what info I have.
Dave Johnson Tues., April 10, 2001
I am looking for the family of Gary Biles who died in Longview in October, 1982. His father was Bernard Biles who died in Mar, 1985. Bernard is my great uncle and Gary had at least a partial genealogy on both the Biles and Ballard familys. My grandmother was Merle Biles Johnson. If any one can put me into contact with the Widow or the children of Gary Biles I would appreciate it.
"DMCDO24510" Sun., April 8, 2001
Looking for any information on Alvie Whittle b. 1887 in Castle Rock, Wa, and
his brother Oliver (Wendell) b. 1893 also in Castle Rock. I have no information on their parents.
Jim Flaherty Fri., April 6, 2001
Castle Rock Shingle Mill: Searching for the name of and any history of the shingle mill operating in Castle Rock about 1902 and possibly earlier.
Star Fri., April 6, 2001
Looking for anyone with information on Lewis R. Miller, of Longview, Cowlitz
Co. Wife Maria, children Lance, Diana, Carla, Charles, ??. Worked for
Weyerhaeuser. He died in 1988 at a hospital in Seaside, Oregon.
Harlene Soper Brown Thurs., March 15, 2001
MOULTON Family: My husband is descended from Susan B. MOULTON b. 1868 Iowa; d. 1928 Kalama; married James Walter HUNTINGTON 1886 in Cowlitz Co. They were married at the home of Thomas B. MOULTON and Lydia MOULTON was listed as a witness. The 1880 Census for Thomas MOULTON lists:
T. B. b. KY
Lydia b. CT
Chris Moulton b. WI
Fred Moulton b. WI
Harry Moulton b. Wash. Terr. another source says IOWA
Lusa Moulton b. Iowa
Tommets Moulton b. Iowa
Thomas B. and his family were in Cowlitz Co. by 1880. I believe, but don't
have proof, that my Susan B. MOULTON was their daughter. Timewise she would
fit between Harry and Lusa and she was born in Iowa. Any clues, information or connections would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so very much, Harlene Soper Brown Great-Great Granddaughter-in-law of Susan B. MOULTON.
Jean Morrison Tues., Feb. 27, 2001 (Updated 27 Mar 2006)
Does anyone have any information about the town of Ostrander, in addition to that listed on this website? My mother grew up there and attended school there in the early 1900's. I am searching for someone who might have any old pictures, or newspaper articles about the town. I would like to pay for someone to make copies of those. I also would like to learn more about more of the early families who lived in Ostrander.
Keith & Sharon Freeman Fri., Feb. 23, 2001
I am looking for information on Lyman Wynkoop. He at one time owned property in Cowlitz County near Kalama. I believe it was called Pidgeon Springs. Family tradition has it that this was a hot springs and that people came there to "drink the waters." According to cemetery records in Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, Lyman committed suicide in Cowlitz County on 14 September 1923. He was born in Iowa in August 1849. Thanks for any help you may be able to give me.
"GinToney" Mon., Feb. 19, 2001
Can anyone tell me where I can find a record of I.O.O.F. members who are buried
in Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens? Also, what funeral home would have been
the one for a person who died in Kelso in 1921?
Penny Stewart Tues., Feb. 13, 2001
Will share old turn of the century photo of Nelson ESTEY and wife taken in Castle Rock, Washington. Found in Portland, Oregon antique shop.
Cindy Curry Mon., Feb. 12, 2001
Looking for information on Grace VanCleave, Kelso, Cowlitz Co., WA. Known to have been living there in 1952. Believe she is buried in the vicinity. Would like to find descendants.
Dennis Burkholder Sat., Feb. 10, 2001
Looking for info on Fred DRIGGS, b. ca. 1885 in KS. Was in Idaho for a few years then known to have been at Castle Rock around 1920. Haven't been able to find anything about him thereafter. No knowledge of marriage. He seemed to have moved there with a cousin, Leonidas Cooper. What might have drawn them from Idaho about that time? Any information would be appreciated.
Kathy Stice Fri., Jan. 27, 2001
Seeking information on Ethel Minard Holcomb, born Dec. 1898 in Kansas and died January 1985 in Longview. Married Lawrence Holcomb approx 1919, possibly in Yakima Co. I know of one son, Lawrence, Jr., who was born in 1919. Would like to make contact with other family members, as I'm researching the family for a friend who is a descendant.
Dorothy Fri., Jan. 12, 2001
Looking for the daughter of Samuel King Hudson and Nancy who lived for a time at Oak Point in the 1850's-60's. Rachel Jane Hudson was born in AR, she married Alexander Deckard who was born in MO. Children are: Mary J. Deckard; Alice L. Deckard; Francis M. Deckard; William A. Deckard; Elbridge E Deckard; John B. Deckard. Does anyone know where Rachel and Alexander Deckard went to after they left the WA/OR Territory? Thanks for your help.
Robert McCallum Tues., Jan. 9, 2001
I am looking for info on the SCHULTZ family. Father may be Carl or Karl. Children I know of: Lucy, Freda, Albert. The farm was supposedly in south Chehalis. Lucy married a Warren Moore of Cowlitz Co. Lucy later (separated) moved to Centralia with family of 8 children. Thanks for any help.
Brian Hale Thurs., Dec. 28, 2000
Please look in this book: Cowlitz County, WA Cemetery Records Thru 1983, Volume # 1. I need the information for the following family members as listed in the book.
Samuel H. Kinch page 486
Martha Jennie Kinch page 486
Guy William Kinch page 366
Albert L. Kinch page 102
Clifford Kinch page 102
Harrison Kinch page 102
Lucinda Frances Kinch page 102
Nellie Alberta Kinch page 102
This family left Pennsylvania in 1887 and went to Ostrander area on Cowlitz River. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Carolynne Fries Wed., Oct. 18, 2000
I am looking for information on the Williams family who lived in Cowlitz
County in the 1800s. There was Benjamin Ivie Williams, George Williams and
Blanch Stockman (who was a teacher at Castle Rock), Walter Williams, Mercer
Williams, Maude Williams (married Herman Detering and Clarence Shea), Alice
Williams (married Fred Turver and Harold Solberg) and Robert Williams
(married Marion Atkins).
Nora Fri., Oct. 13, 2000
Hello, This is a long shot, but I'm looking for my grt. grandmother Frances [Fanny] Atwood, Wilcox, Mitchell. Mitchell I think would be her last married name, she might have lived with her son Charles [Charly] Wilcox, in Longview, he died in around 1960, Longview.
Roger Hughes Mon., Sept. 4, 2000
Looking for information on/descendants of Arthur Leander (1849-1885) and Sarah Miller Bemis (?Davidson? Dykeman) (1851-1937), who settled in Castle Rock area in late 1870s. Also, Leander Bemis, father of Arthur Leander. Family came from Rock County, Wisconsin, to Greenwood County, Kansas, then Washington Territory. Other surnames related hereto: Peabody, Shintaffer, Butler, Wolf, Hughes, Royer. After Arthur Leander Bemis death, Sarah married a Davidson, then Peter Simon Dykeman. Thanx!
Gloria (Birlew) Hursey Sun., Aug. 6, 2000
Looking for any information for the BIRLEW and STALCUP families of Cowlitz
Co., WA. George Franklin Birlew is listed in the Cowlitz Co., WA. Cemetery Records Index, thru 1983, Volume 1, published by Lower Columbia Genealogical Society. BIRLEW, George Franklin, 301. At present I don't know what the death/cemetery information is for George Franklin BIRLEW. I believe this George Franklin BIRLEW to be the son of John Wilson BIRLEW and Lillie "LuLu" (CHATHAM). If so, he was married to Iva Louella (STALCUP). If anyone has any information for this family I would greatly appreciate hearing of it.
Thank you for any help.
Janet Thurs., Aug. 3, 2000
Looking for my FIELDS family in Cowlitz County from about 1900 on. Peter FIELDS and wife Emma Jane SANDERS Fields, they had ten children. One of those was Elmer FIELDS who came to Cowlitz County from Columbia County OR in 1908 with his wife Lavinia QUINN and their small son Orville FIELDS. Any help? Thanks in advance.
Hazel E. Murray Thurs., Aug. 3, 2000
I am looking for any information on Elizabeth J. Beaston or her family. Elizabeth was buried in Kelso, WA in September of 1944. I am especially
interested in learning what cemetery she was buried at. I believe that
Elizabeth lived in Kelso or close by from 1913 until her death. She was
92 when she died. She was the widow of James M. Beaston a veteran of the
Civil war, serving in the 1st. Oregon Infantry. They had many children
together in their marriage and some still remain in the area. My grandfather was Louis M. Beaston born 1888. He was the son of Elizabeth and James Beaston. Any help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Barbara Hoisington Thurs., Aug. 3, 2000
Looking for and researching the final resting place of Dora Mackey/Bauer. We have just learned that she re-married a man named Reece or Reese about 1922-26, and lived in Castlerock. Her daughter Ethel Evangeline Bauer/Hoisington was my husband's mother. He wants to know more about the grandmother he never knew.
Lisa Holte-Swartz Tue., May 23, 2000
My husband's great-grandfather is Homer Kirby - he was a Judge and there are supposedly buildings named after him in Cowlitz County. I know that he graduated in 1908 in the first Law School class at UW and that's about it. I am looking to discover any other information I can about him. His descendants are: Daughter - Betty Kirby (Died about 1928) and Son - William Kirby (d. 10-1989) (M. Dorothy Dupras (d. 12-1984)- their children Karen Ann Kirby-Holte and Janet Kirby-White).
Melanie J. Wed., May 3, 2000
I am looking for information on Daisy Helen (BOLES) KLINGER. She was the
daughter of William Wiley BOLES and Laura BURRIS, and was born 29 January
1915. She was married to William KLINGER and she died in Longview, WA., in
September of 1987. Her death certificate lists her residence as Ryderwood,
Cowlitz Co., WA. I know that she had at least one son named Paul, but have
no other information on this family. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Cathy Hutchinson-Larkins Sat., April 15, 2000
Can someone help me locate a probate file for one David M. Hutchinson? I
believe he died in Cowlitz Co. abt 1901. My gr grandfather had power of attorney 12 June 1901. Who and how do I locate something like this? David's family I believe was from Freeborn Co, MN. Maybe his body was shipped
home. I have nothing else to go on to find this family. I thank you so very much for your help.
Jim Baldwin Sun., April 2, 2000
Researching NC/SC connection to Cowlitz county. Early 1900 there was an exodus of 25-30 families from near Salem, SC that came to your area. Primarily
interested in my major families; Patterson, Galloway, Golden, Powell,Chappell, Edney. Would like to hear from my west coast cousins.
Rose Sun., March 26, 2000
Could someone lookup an obit for me? It is for DOROTHY RALSTON; she died October of 1984; last known address was in CASTLE ROCK, Cowlitz County, WA. Especially looking for the married names of her daughters, Linda and Nancy. Thanks very much for the time and effort.
Clark Vinson Fri., March 17, 2000
I am looking for any information on John Herman Vinson, died Mar 3, 1976 in Kelso, Cowlitz Co., WA. He is buried in Longview Memorial Park. He had 4 daughters, Lillian Marie, Nellie Virginia, Ellen Naomi, and Mildred Louise.
Christi Wed., March 1, 2000
Looking for any information about Elmer M. Moore raisied in Kelso WA. Born May 26, 1893 Died Dec. 5, 1985 Lived in Ariel, WA. Relative is Jimmy Marabette last name maybe spelled incorrectly.
Tom Green Tues., Feb. 22, 2000
Looking for information on any of the following HICKS persons, relatives, descendants, etc. that lived in Cowlitz Co. WA. Thanks.
Descendants of John Wesley Hicks
1 John Wesley Hicks b: 1866 in Quincy, Adams Co. IL; d: July 18,
1928 in Multomah Co. OR
+Sarah V. Stergert; m: December 20, 1889 in Clark Co. WA?
..... 2 Althura Hicks b: Abt. 1890
*2nd Wife of John Wesley Hicks:
+Laura Adaline Parker b: September 01, 1879 in Crawford City, IA; d:
December 27, 1920 in Vancouver, WA; m: November 14, 1895 in LaCentre, WA
..... 2 Bessie May Hicks
..... 2 Mabel Gladys Hicks b: August 25, 1896 in Washington; d:
January 10, 1969 in Medford, Jackson Co. OR
......... +Louis Raymond m: February 23, 1914 in Kalama,
Cowlitz co. WA
..... *2nd Husband of Mabel Gladys Hicks:
......... +Albert Russell m: March 03, 1920 in Vancouver, WA
..... *3rd Husband of Mabel Gladys Hicks:
......... +Robert D. Cozart m: December 26, 1942 in Clark Co.
WA
..... 2 Jasper Roland Hicks b: September 30, 1897 in Woodland, Cowlitz, WA
d: September 09, 1976 in Bend, Deschutes Co. OR
......... +Margaret Angeline Day b: December 19, 1903 in Bemidji, Beltrami
Co. MN d: August 17, 1922 in Yacolt, Clark Co. WA m: September
01, 1920 in Yacolt, Clark Co. WA
*3rd Wife of John Wesley Hicks:
. +Littie H. Tullock m: March 06, 1902 in Washington Co. OR,
house of Malissa F. Tullock
*4th Wife of John Wesley Hicks:
. +Lula Riker b: Abt. 1891 in Lincoln, NE m: May 01, 1909 in
Cowlitz, Co. WA
Joseph Carlile Wed., Jan. 5, 2000
I am looking for information on a Rickie (Dean) Allen born July 18,1957, and died shortly after, He was born in Cowlitz County, Washington. He was a twin. His brother was Mickie Allen. His mother was Dorothy Mae Robinson, or Davenport. His father was George F. Allen. Rickie was buried somewhere in Cowlitz Co. His mother Dorothy moved to Arkansas, near Siloam Springs. According to records in Benton Co., Arkansas, she married Geo. F. Allen, who was from Cowlitz Co. Any information on any of these names would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.