What's New?
Last updated 22 January 2024
22 January 2024 Added new webpage for Report on the Washington County Hospital (1912-1914). (History Section - Medicine In Washington County)
10 January 2024. Updated Cemetery page to add link to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery List for Washington Co. The Iowa Veterans Cemetery is located in Van Meter Township, Dallas County, Iowa, USA. It contains the graves of veterans from World War II and the Korean War and later wars. The veterans are from counties throughout the state. This listing was created by Conni McDaniel Hall. This link is to the Washington County, Iowa veterans buried in the cemetery. (Cemetery Section)
03 January 2024 Added new webpage for the Asbury United Methodist Church. (Church Section - Limecreek - Wellman)
05 October 2023 Updated the Schools page and added a webpage for the 100 Years of Public Schools in Washington, Iowa (1840-1940) (Schools Section) 04 October 2023 Updated page for Washington County Clubs and Lodges (Clubs and Lodges Section) 08 May 2023 Updated the Conger House History page and added a webpage for the People of the Conger House. (WCHS Section) 20 Mar 2023 Added new webpage for the 1929 Washington Telephone Directory - this list includes over 2000 names. (Directory Section)
19 Mar 2023 Updated webpage for the Washington County Historical Society. Includes 2023 projects and the annual dinner information. (WCHS page)
10 Mar 2023 Added new webpage for the Washington Methodist Episcopal Church. (Church Section - Washington)
06 Feb 2023 Added new webpage for the 1878 Farmers' Directory - Washington County Directory - this list includes over 600 names. (Directories Section)
09 Oct 2022 - Updated the Washington County Historical Society page and added a webpage for the History of Conger House Museum.(WCHS Section) 08 Oct 2022 - Added a link to a searchable database for the Elm Grove Cemetery -- see the online burial search. The database was created by the Cemetery Sexton. (Cemetery Section) 07 Oct 2022 - Updated the Immigration - page to add link to a new page for the Surname Index to Naturalization Records in Washington County, Iowa. This index lists the names of the immigrants and the Book and Page numbers for their associated records that are available in the Washington County Genealogical Society Library. (Immigration Section)
09 Sept 2022 - Updated the Revolutionary War - including added a new page for Daughters of the American Revolution with the roster of members of the Washington Chapter of the Iowa Daughters of the American Revolution, circa 1910. (Military Section)
23 August 2022 - Updated the Washington County Genealogical Society webpage - including added a new page for Vintage Cook Books with a listing of local and Iowa cook books. (WCGS Section)
20 August 2022 - Added the Rubio Diamond Jubilee - a pamphlet from the Rubio Diamond Jubilee held 7-8 August 1976. (Clay Township/Town History Section)
12 April 2022 - Added new webpage for the 1972 Washington County Directory - this directory includes over 2,000 names. (Directories Section)
22 Mar 2022 - Added new webpage for the The Blue Book of Optometrists and Opticians - This page provides a list of Optometrists and Opticians in Washington County in 1914, 1920, 1922 and 1954. (Directories Section)
06 Oct 2021 - Added new webpage for the Doctors of Washington County 1876 - This is an excerpt of the Washington Iowa listing from the "The Medical and Surgical Directory of the State of Iowa," that was compiled by Charles H. Lothrop, M.D., J. C. Hopkins, Printer, Lyons, Iowa 1876. This is a new partial record set.(History Section)
10 Sept 2021 - Over 100 new Biographies have been added to the Biography Message Board within the past year. Thank you very much Shellie Vascik for your great effort transcribing entries from the Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County (1887)!
01 Sept 2021 - Added new webpage for the 1910 Washington, Iowa Telephone Directory - the directory includes over 1,000 names for people and businesses in the city and rural areas near Washington. This is a new complete record set. (Directories Section)
04 Mar 2021 - Update and added new webpages for Township and Town Histories. There are 15 townships in Washington County and about 60 past and present towns. Township related information, including histories, churches, cemeteries, schools, photographs, maps and other data maybe be found. This is a work in progress. Contributions are welcomed!
03 Mar 2021 - Added new webpages for the Churches Around the County. These pages include a list of past and present churches in the Washington County townships and towns and the history and photographs of the churches. This is a work in progress, incomplete data will be added as it is found. Please share photos and history if you have some.
28 Feb 2021 - Added new webpage for 1912 Book on the Life of Samuel Hall. This book was written by Orville Elder about the life Samuel Hall as a slave or 47 years and a freeman for 47 years. It was published in 1912 and transcribed by Joanne Breen.
04 Oct 2020 - Added new webage for The Washington County Historical Society and updated webpage with new format for The Washington County Genealogical Society
25 Sept 2020 - Added new webage for The Underground Railroad in Washington County under African-American Heritage. It is a list of people and places involved in the underground railroad in Washington County, IA.
21 Sept 2020 - Added new webpage for African-American Heritage. It is a work in progress and will include Washington County people and families, the Underground Railroad and other history and cultural items. A family page for Samuel Hall was created and added.
11 Sept 2020 - Added new webpage under Deaths Washington County, Iowa Mortality Schedule 1880 This list is by township and includes the names of people who died between June 1879 and June 1880.It also includes: birth year/place, death date, cause of death and other census type information. The data was transcribed by Joanne Breen from microfilm images available via Family Search.
10 Sept 2020 - Over 80 new Biographies have been added to the Biography Message Board . Thank you very much Shellie Vascik for your great effort transcribing entries from the Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County (1887)!
28 Feb 2020 - Added new webpage under Miliary - Civil War for James Taylor Thomas Civil War Diary The diary was transcribed by Kristen Twinam.
08 Sept 2019 - Updated the Korean War webpage and added links for the Fallen Heroes obituaries and gravestone photos. The obituaries were added to the Obituary Board.
01 Sept 2019 - Added new webpage under Military History for World War II - This page includes a list of 52 Fallen Heroes from the Army and Army Air Force. It identifies their names names, serial numbers, rank and type of death. (Complete record set).
01 August 2019 - Added new webpage under History for History of the Old Settler's Association - Excerpt listing 60 Officers and Members from original Old Settlers document (1877)
05 April 2019 - Updated the Books webpage and added links for digital books including: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington Co, Iowa (1887); The History of Washington County, Iowa (1880); History of Washington County Iowa, From the First White Settlers to 1908, Volume 1 and Volume 2. These books are searchable by keywords and names!
20 March 2019 - Added new webpage under Deaths for the Washington County Death Certificate Index - The index includes the name, birth date, birth place, death date and mother's maiden name for people that died in Washington County from July 1919 to June 1921 and from 1931 to 1939. Over 2100 names are included! (Complete record set).
18 March 2019 - Updated the Photograph and Postcard Collection page with new pages for postcards of Churches, Schools and the City of Washington. The new postcards were recently contributed to the the IAGenWeb by David Shedlock.
01 March 2019 - Added new webpage under History about the Birth of the Republican Party -1854 - Essay by Dr. Clyde A. Boice.
08 February 2019 - Added new webpage under History about the Photographers of Washington County - There are links to their biographies, obituaries and other articles.
23 January 2019 - Added new link to the Schools page for Graduates of the Washington Academy - Annotated List of Known Graduates of Washington Academy (1875-1910) compiled by Amalea Anderson for the USGenWeb.
01 Oct 2018 - Added new webpage for the 1955 Crawfordsville Telephone Directory - The directory includes over 500 names for people and businesses from Crawfordsville and other nearby towns, including: Ainsworth, Columbus Junction, Wyman, Mt Pleasant, Olds, Swedesburg and Winfield. (Complete record set).
16 April 2018 - Added new webpage about the American Red Cross - Washington County, IA Chapter history from 1919 and its support during World War I. (Complete record set).
8 April 2018 - Added new webpage for IAGenWeb GPP Surname Index for Washington Co. This list includes over 9,000 surnames for Washington County gravestones available in the IAGenWeb GPP! (Complete record set). Also added IAGenWeb GPP Cemetery List for Washington Co. that lists the names of the county cemeteries and the number of photos available in each each cemetery via the IAGenWeb GPP. Also updated the WPA Surname Index for Washington Co. These pages are linked off the Cemetery Page.
3 April 2018 - Updated Newspapers page with link to Washington County Newspapers available from the Community History Archives of the Washington County Library Association. It has FREE access to over 40 local county-wide and other area county newspapers.
23 Feb 2018 - Added new webpage Crawfordsville - A Sketch of Its History and Write Up of Its Business House page. This is an article published in the Washington Gazette, December 18, 1891 that highlights Crawfordsville businesses and their owners, churches and the pastors and military veterans. (Complete record set).
14 Oct 2017 - Added new webages for the War of 1812 and the Korean and Vietnam Wars which link from the Military page. The new pages include the names, ranks and other information pertaining to Washington County's Veterans and Fallen Heroes from these wars.
21 Sept 2017 - Added new webpage for World War I, including a searchable file for the book "Washington County in the World War" and a listing of the 950 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Nurses from Washington County who served in WWI. The list is newly transcibed from the index of the book.
s 15 Aug 2017 - Revised the Military page to accommodate for separate pages for each war; created a Civil War web page and added pictures of Civil War Veterans.
06 Apr 2017 - Added new web pages that include the patron lists for Cedar Township (15 names), Franklin Township (16 names), Dutch Creek Township (11 names), Highland Township (10 names), Clay Township (6 names), Crawford Township (4 names), Marion Township (4 names) and Iowa Township (2 names): 1875 Patrons Iowa State Atlas - The patron lists were published in the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa in 1875. The lists include the patrons' name, residence, business, nativity, year of arrival in the State, and location of the local post office. Added to History Section. (Newly transcribed data).
24 Mar 2017 - Added new web pages that include the patron lists for English River Township (23 names), Oregon Township (22 names), Brighton Township (17 names) and Jackson Township (14 names): 1875 Patrons Iowa State Atlas - The patron lists were published in the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa in 1875. The lists include the patrons' name, residence, business, nativity, year of arrival in the State, and location of the local post office. Added to History Section. (Newly transcribed data).
21 Mar 2017 - Added new web page: Lime Creek Patrons - The patron lists were published in the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa in 1875. The lists include the patrons' name, residence, business, nativity, year of arrival in the State, and location of the local post office. There are 34 patrons from Lime Creek Township listed. Added to History Section. (Newly transcribed data).
20 Mar 2017 - Added new web page: Washington Town Square 1950 - Illlustration that depicts the town square in the city of Washington and includes a list of the shops and their addresses. Added to the History Section
22 Feb 2017 - Added new web page: Century Farms - The Century Farms Program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration. It was sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. The list of the 202 Century Farms in Washington County identifies the family name, location and year the farm was established. (Complete record set).
24 Oct 2016 - Added new web pages: Patrons Iowa State Atlas - Washington County and Washington Township Patrons - The patron lists were published in the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa in 1875. The lists include the patrons' name, residence, business, nativity, year of arrival in the State, and location of the local post office. There are 88 patrons from Washington Township listed. (Newly transcribed data). The lists for other townships in Washington County are in work
12 Sept 2016 - Added new web page: Pensioners in 1883 - The names of over 200 pensioners were published in the Washington Press on November 14, 1883. The list also includes residence, the reason for the pension and monthly amount. (Newly transcribed data).
02 Sept 2016 - Added new web page: Teachers in 1896 - The names of 210 school teachers were published in the Washington Evening Journal on November 28, 1896. (Newly transcribed data).
10 Mar 2016 - Added new web page: Genealogy Websites - This page provides links and information regarding other genealogical websites.
12 Feb 2016 - Updated History web page: added new page Original Plat of Washington, Iowa - 1839 - This information was published in the the Evening Journal, August 1939. It describes the first plat in the city of Washington and includes photograph of the plat.
07 Feb 2016 - Updated History web page: added new page Washington's First Sale of Lots - 1839 - This information was published in the the Evening Journal, August 1939. It describes the first sale of lots in the city of Washington and lists the names of the purchasers.
05 Feb 2016 - Added new page Brighton Births 1933. This is birth information that was published in the Brighton Enterprise, March 20, 1934. It includes birth dates and the babies' gender, weight and parents' names.
15 Jan 2016 - Added new page Richmond Death Records 1885-1895. This includes newly transcribed data (complete record set) with the names, ages and death dates of people published in the Kalona News in 1895.
10 Jan 2016 - Updated Washington County Genealogical Society webpage. Added the Program Schedule for 2016.
02 Nov 2015 - Added new page 1894 City of Washington Map
28 Oct 2015 - Added new page Immigration that includes information on naturalization and records held at the WCGS Library.
24 Sept 2015 - Added new page 1894 Washington City Directory that includes 800 names (newly transcribed data).
17 Sept 2015 - Added new page 1869 Bird's Eye View Map of Washington. The map shows the street layout and various points of interest including churches, schools, businesses and cemetery.
03 Sept 2015 - Added new page with photo and member names for the Washington Concert Band and added names of people in photograph for the ZCBJ Lodge.
05 Aug 2015 - Added new pages for Clubs and Lodges and the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club page includes newly transcribed data with club history and past presidents and secretaries, and a photo of the 1939 members.
09 June 2015 - Added new Biographies for several Washington Co photographers.
05 April 2015 - Updated Maps page: added new link to the 1859 Washington County Map and a new page with an alphabetical index of Landowners Surnames. The surname list is newly transcribed data listing over 1500 names!
08 Mar 2015 - Updated Newspapers page: added new link to the Kalona News This link is to the Digital Archives of the Kalona Public Library for the Kalona News from 1891 through 2012 (free).
18 Oct 2014 - Updated Index to Early Newspapers: added new items to the Washington Press page. This page shows news items from 1856-1892. Thanks Norma!
13 Oct 2014 - Updated Newspaper web page: added new page WCGS Microfilm Collection. This list identifies the microfilm collection of various Washington County newspapers, and the years available, that are held in the WCGS library. The collection also includes newspapers from Louisa and Jefferson Counties.
06 Oct 2014 - Updated History web page: added new page Washington City Officials from 1864 - 1940. This is newly transcribed data listing 75 years of city officials! Also added a link for Downtown Washington Historic Research Project - This website provides research information on the historic downtown district, including an interactive map, detailed Iowa Site Inventory forms and photographs. (Off Site)
22 August 2014 - Updated web page for Maps: added link to 1906 Atlas that includes Washington County towns and townships maps, pictures of citizens and homes, Farmers Directory, and advertisement for leading businesses.
22 August 2014 - Updated web page for State and Federal Census Records: added links for the 1838, 1851 and 1854 census from Iowa State Census Project, and links to Family Search for 1885, 1895, 1905 and 1925.
20 August 2014 - Updated webpage for Washington County Tax Lists: added transcribed list for Washington County taxpayers from 1839.
22 July 2014 - 100 new gravestone photos with family information were added the Iowa Gravestone Photo Project for Washington County, including records for Wassonville, Hillcrest and Elm Grove ( Iowa GPP Washington Co). Huge thank you to the Volunteer that added the 50 plus records with detailed family information for Wassonville!
23 March 2014 - Updated webpage for Marriages: added new link for Family Search Collection of Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934.
18 March 2014 - Updated webpage for Books: added new transcribed Surname Index for Portrait and Biographical Album (1887); Other Published Books list; and transcribed Surname Index for History of Washington County, Iowa (1909). Also added note that look-ups may be done for some of these books.
28 February 2014 - Added Cemetery Records Collection.This list identifies the cemetery records collection maintained by the Washington County Genealogical Society, Washington, IA. The collection includes records from funeral homes, cemeteries and various books and publications.
14 February 2014 - Updated Photograph Collection: added new pictures to the Beranek, Horak, Goetz and Shradel Families.
21 January 2014 - Updated Photograph Collection: added "Places to Go" that includes a group photo in front of the Zapadni Cesko Bratrska Jednota (Z.C.B.J.) Lodge in Richmond, IA (1884). Also added new pictures to the Beranek and Horak Families.
04 January 2014 - Updated Photograph Collection: added "Who Do You Think They Are?" that includes 15 photographs and added Beranek Family photo.
11 November 2013 - Added remainder of names to the Family History Collection list of documents. List is complete and includes A-Z!
06 October 2013 - Added additional names to the Family History Collection list of documents. Updated Resources to add more information on Courthouse Records and new links for the Kalona Historical Village and the Mennonite Museum and Archives.
21 September 2013 - Added additional names to the Family History Collection list of documents.
10 September 2013 - Added new page Family History Collection - This is a list of Family History documents maintained in the Washington County Genealogy Library. The collection includes documents provided by contributors and donors over the years and are in various forms including books, research notes, family group sheets, CDs, etc.
02 September 2013 - Added new link in History: National Register of Historic Places - There are 16 properties and districts listed on the National Register in Washington County, Iowa.
24 August 2013jlb - Added new data in Churches: Historical Sketches on Iowa Baptists - Recently transcribed, this describes the activities of the Washington Baptist Association and many its members from 1869-1886.
17 August 2013jlb - Updated Look-Up to add new contact information.
05 July 2013jlb - Added new webpage in Schools: Prairie Flower School - 1935 photo of students. Updated School index.
7 Feb 2013 - Added link for the Federal Land Records Search
29 Nov 2012 - Newwspaper pages added with clippings from Keota Eagle
28 Nov 2012 - History of Highland township written by pupils of the rural schools. Lists first settlers, settling of little towns, first land owners, etc.
28 Nov 2012 - Dutch Creek report - Letter to Editor in Feb 6, 1875, initials G.L.
28 Nov 2012 - added Ghost Towns of Washington County, Iowa
26 Nov 2012 - History and business directories for Towns of Washington, published in the Washington Democrat, 13 June 1894. Includes Crawfordsville, Havre, and Wellman.
24 Nov 2012 - Added True StoriesFrom the History of Pilotburg by C. W. Thomas and published in 1898
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