Wood County was created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly on December 21, 1798 from parts of Harrison County. According to the national census of 1800, Wood County had 1,217 residents, the smallest population of the 13 counties then in existence within the present state of West Virginia. Berkeley County, with 22,006 people, was the most populous county. The County Seat is Parkersburg.
Wood County was named in honor of James Wood (1747-1813). He was born in Frederick County, Virginia. In 1763, when he was 16, he enlisted in the military and served as a private during Pontiac's War. The following year, at age 17, he organized and commanded a company in the expedition against the Shawnee Indians. In 1775, he was elected to the House of Burgesses from Frederick County. He represented Frederick County in the Virginia Convention of 1776 and, later that year, was appointed a Colonel in the Virginia military. He served with distinction during the American Revolutionary War and was named superintendent of the prisoners of war held by the Virginia militia. In 1783, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and put in command of the troops defending the border against Indian raids. In 1784, he was elected a member of the Virginia executive council and, by seniority, was the lieutenant Governor of the State. He then served as the Governor of Virginia (1796-1799). He was an ardent opponent of slavery throughout his lifetime and served as President of the society for the promotion of abolition of slavery in Virginia in 1801. He continued as a member of the executive council of Virginia following his governorship. He served on the executive council until his death, on June 16, 1813.
Robert Cavelier de La Salle was probably the first European to set foot in present Wood County. He sailed down the Ohio River in 1669. In 1749, Louis Bienville de Celeron sailed down the Ohio River and may have set foot in the present county. He claimed all of the lands drained by the Ohio River for King Louis XV of France. He met several English fur traders on his journey and ordered them off of French soil and wrote strong letters of reprimand to the colonial governors protesting the English's presence on French soil.
Christopher Gist was the first Englishman to leave a written account of his travels through the county. He passed through the county on his way to Ohio in 1751. In 1769, Captain William Crawford and several others were the next Englishmen to pass through the county. The following year, George Washington surveyed some land given to him in the county for his military service. In 1773, Robert Thornton, of Pennsylvania, claimed 400 acres which included part of what is presently the city of Parkersburg. In 1783, after acquiring even more land in the county, he sold 1,350 acres, including the parcels of land on which Parkersburg now stands, to Alexander Parker for $50. After his death, the land passed onto his daughter, Mary. The title to portions of Mary Parker's land was disputed by several others, including John Stokley who had started his own settlement, called Stokleyville, on a portion of her land. After a court battle, Stokley was awarded title to about 650 of the original 1,350 acres. In 1800, Stokley laid out what he called the town of Newport, and it was named the county seat later that year. In 1810, Mary Parker's heirs won a countersuit against Stokley and gained possession of the land. On December 11, 1810, the new owners laid out a new town, which they called Parkersburg, in honor of Alexander Parker. After Mary Parker agreed to donate land for a courthouse and other county buildings the Virginia General Assembly named Parkersburg the county seat. The city was chartered in 1820 and incorporated by the West Virginia state legislature on February 11, 1911.
Blennerhassett's Island is situated on the Ohio River, approximately two miles south of Parkersburg. Harman Blennerhassett was born in England to a distinguished and wealthy Irish family, graduated from the University of Dubin, and was a noted attorney and respected scholar. He moved to Marietta, Ohio in 1798 and, being of ample financial means, bought what would be known as Blennerhassett Island and had a nationally famous mansion built for him there. In 1805, Vice-President Aaron Burr, who had killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804, landed uninvited on the island, but was welcomed as an honored guest. During his three day visit, Burr convinced Blennerhassett to finance an armed force to capture the Wichita territory in the West and, in the event war were to break out between Spain and the United States, to proceed to Mexico. A flotilla of about 20 small ships were constructed at Marietta and in December 1806 the fleet, with 30 well-armed men aboard, set sail down the Ohio River, supposedly toward Mexico. Fearing that the fleet was part of a scheme by Aaron Burr to overthrow the government, Colonel Hugh Phelps, commander of the Wood County militia, was ordered to intercept the ships. Unfortunately, the ships had already left when he arrived at the Blennerhassett mansion. Mrs. Blennerhassett insisted to the Colonel that her husband was not part of a plot to overthrow the government and ordered him and his troops not to disturb her property. The troops ransacked the mansion and the grounds. Burr and Blennerhassett were later captured and transported to Richmond and imprisoned. Burr was tried for treason and was acquitted. Blennerhassett was never brought to trial, but his reputation and standing in the country was ruined. He and his family moved to Europe where he died in 1831.
Areas adjacent to Wood County are Washington County, Ohio (north), Pleasants County (northeast), Ritchie County (east), Wirt County (southeast), Jackson County (south), Meigs County, Ohio (southwest), Athens County, Ohio (west). Wood County Cities and Towns Include Belleville, Boaz, Davisville, Fort Neal, Lubeck, Mineral Wells, New England, North Hills, Parkersburg, Rockport, Vienna, Walker, Washington, Waverly, Williamstown
PLEASE READ!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information.
Wood County Clerkhas Land Records from 1798,
Marriage Records from 1800, Probate Records from 1800 and Birth & Death Records from 1853 -Present and is located at the Courthouse, 1
Court Square, Parkersburg,
WV 26101; 304-424-1850, Fax:
304-424-1982 . The County Clerk's many duties include some of the following: the issuance of marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, record births, marriages and deaths in the county, serve as the recorder of all documents, prepare and send to all heirs a Notice to Redeem and take care of publications, redemptions or recording deeds with regard to delinquent property, issue military service discharge records and probate wills and assist in administration of estates.
Wood County Clerk of Circuit Courthas Court Records from 1798 and is located at the Co. Judicial Bldg.,Rm.133, #1 Court Sq, Parkersburg, WV 26101-5353; 304-424-1700, Fax: 304-424-1804. The County Clerk of the Circuit Court's many duties include some of the following: Serve as the Clerk to the Circuit and Family Court, Issue mesne (during the progress of a case) process, Issue final process to enforce and execute judgements, Appoint guardian ad litem where required, Responsible for all papers filed in the office; serve as registrar, recorder and custodian for all pleadings, documents and funds pertaining to cases filed in circuit court and family court, Responsible for the administration and management of the petit and grand jury systems in the county
Since West Virginia was part of Virginia prior to 1863, see Virginia Databases for all records before that date.
This three-and-one-half story imposing masonry building is the third county courthouse that was built on Court Square in Parkersburg. Constructed in 1899 during the days of the region’s oil and gas boom, the Richardsonian Romanesque style of the Wood County Courthouse reflects the area’s wealth at the end of the 19th century. Typical of this style of architecture, the building combines massive elements, such as the heavy and durable rock-faced walls, with the subdued yet intricate details found in many of the building’s carved-stone figures. The bust of a woman with upraised arms supporting a basket or crown located above the building’s southwest entrance is an especially nice example. The size and scale of the arched window and door openings, and the impressive tower are also typical of this style. The interior of the Wood County Courthouse was also carefully planned and laid out, although much of the original symmetry has been lost through the years. An excellent local example of an architectural style that was created and popularized by Henry H. Richardson, the courthouse has become a cherished landmark in Wood County.
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Wood County Court Records by clicking the link below:
West Virginia Immigration & Emigration Records - Immigration records help the family historian to understand the movements of their ancestry as they relocated to different parts of the world.
Click Here to Search West Virginia Birth, Marriage & Death Records! - Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information. Look also for baptism, christening, and burial records in this collection.
PLEASE READ!! In terms of obtaining vital records from the State Vital Records Office, West Virginia is not an "open record" state. Access to certified copies of birth certificates is restricted to persons with a legal right to the certificate, i.e: The registrant, Mother or father, Legal guardian, Registrant's spouse, Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc., of the registrant, Brother or sister of the registrant, Mother-in-law / father-in-law of registrant, Son-in-law / daughter-in-law of registrant or Grandparents and great-grandparents of the registrant.
Vital Records, 350 Capitol St, Rm 165, Charleston, WV 25301-3701, Please allow up to approximately 2-3 weeks for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail. They have the following records:
Birth & Death Certificates: Birth & Death records are maintained by West Virginia State Vital Records Office since Jan 1917 through the present. For earlier records, write to the Clerk of County Court in the county where the birth occurred. Fees vary.
Cost: There is a non refundable $10.00 search fee, which entitles the applicant to one certified copy of the birth certificate. The search fee covers a three year search that consists of the year specified, the year before, and the year after the year specified. Additional copies are also $10.00 each. If no record is found, a "No Record" letter will be mailed to the applicant informing them that no record is on file for the requested certificate. Please do not send cash in the mail.
Processing Time: 2-3 weeks when ordered by mail (Birth / Death) or 2-5 Days when you order ELECTRONICALLY
Marriage & Divorce Certificates: Marriage Verifications since 1921 and Divorce Verifications since 1968. Certified copies of marriage licenses or divorce decrees are only available from the county clerk in the county in which the event occurred.
Cost: Fees vary
Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering below
Order In Person: The certificates may be ordered by coming into this office. If you want the copy the same day, our hours for same day service are Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 Eastern Time except for official holidays. The West Virginia Vital Records Office is located at Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701; Phone: 304-558-9100.
Map 1, Map 2 Order By Mail: Mail a check or money order (no cash) payable to the "Vital Registration " along with the necessary information to the following address: Vital Registration, Room 165, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301-3701. Please include return address on envelope and application form.
Since West Virginia was part of Virginia prior to 1863, see Virginia Databases for all records before that date.
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Wood County Vital Records by clicking the link below:
Search the Social Security Death Index for FREE - Search over 82 million death records and get genealogical information crucial to your family research. New content added weekly! Most comprehensive SSDI site online!
Research Death records In The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of historical West Virginia newspaper articles about deaths. Search for local articles about an old family friend that died many years ago or a celebrity that committed suicide. Historical newspapers contain a wealth of information about the deceased.
West Virginia Archives and History Birth, Death and Marriage Records Search (limited dates & Places)
Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Wood County, West Virginia are (See Virginia Censuses 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860) 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms
Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Wood County, West Virginia are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Slave Schedules exist for 1850 & 1860. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. (NOTE: For the years 1850 & 1860, Wood County was located in Virginia)
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Wood County Census Records by clicking the link below:
Genealogy Atlas has images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897 for West Virginia and other states.
You can view rotating animated maps for West Virginia showing all the county boundaries for each census year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries. You can view a list of maps for other states at Census Maps
You can view rotating animated maps for West Virginia showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries . You can view a list of maps for other states and State Department of Transportation Maps at County Maps. The West Virginia Department of Transportation has county maps the show the locations of churches, cemeteries, roads, ect... free for viewing or download here
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Maps. Email us with websites containing Wood County Maps by clicking the link below:
The uses and value of military records in genealogical research for ancestors who were veterans are obvious, but military records can also be important to re-searchers whose direct ancestors were not soldiers in any war. The fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and other close relatives of an ancestor may have served in a war, and their service or pension records could contain information that will assist in further identifying the family of primary interest. Due to the amount of genealogical information contained in some military pension files, they should never be overlooked during the research process. Those records not containing specific genealogical information are of historic value and should be included in any overall research design.
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Wood County Military Records by clicking the link below:
Southern Claims Commission from the State of West Virginia (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents In the 1870s, southerners claimed compensation from the U.S. government for items used by the Union Army, ranging from corn and horses, to trees and church buildings.
Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 from the State of Virginia (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents in NARA publication M246 include muster rolls, payrolls, strength returns, and other miscellaneous personnel, pay, and supply records of American Army units, 1775-83.
While people were taxed in Virginia prior to 1782, not many tax lists for that early period have survived, and the originals that have survived are at the Virginia State Library. Colonial period taxes were imposed on the personal property of males who were twenty-one and older, and called "tithables." While there is no comprehensive list or collection of early tax lists, many fragments are printed throughout Virginia genealogical literature
West Virginia has one of the most complete sets of old tax records in existence. Land tax records dating from 1782 to 1936 for all counties, with some through 1959, are available at the Archives and History Library in Charleston. Most county clerks have duplicate copies in their offices. As noted in the section on Virginia, the Virginia State Library has the original unindexed personal property tax records from 1782 to 1863.
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Tax Records. Email us with websites containing Wood County Tax Records by clicking the link below:
The Repositories
in this section are Archives, Libraries, Museums, Genealogical
and Historical Societies. Many County Historical and Genealogical
Societies publish magazines and/or news letters on a monthly,
quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. Contacting the local societies
should not be over looked. State Archives and Societies are
usually much larger and better organized with much larger archived
materials than their smaller county cousins but they can be
more generalized and over look the smaller details that local
societies tend to have. Libraries can also be a good place to
look for local information. Some libraries have a genealogy
section and may have some resources that are not located at
archives or societies. Also, take a special look at any museums
in the area. They sometimes have photos and items from years
gone by as well as information of a genealogical interest. All
these places are vitally important to the family genealogist
and must not be passed over.
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Wood County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:
Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library, 3100 Emerson Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26104; Phone: (304) 485-6564
Wood County Historical and Preservation Society,
P.O. Box 565,
Parkersburg, WV 26102
West Virginia Archives and History, The Cultural Center; 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, E.; Charleston, WV 25305-0300. Read here before requesting research Publication: West Virginia History. This facility consists of the library, archives, and a museum containing materials from 1760 to present.
West Virginia Newspapers & Periodicals Records - Newspapers and periodicals are the diaries of local communities. They are excellent sources of family history details - often recorded nowhere else. Look for obituaries, marriages, legal notices, and more found in our Historical Newspaper Archives.
Click Here to Search West Virginia Obituary Records! - This database is a compilation of obituaries published in U.S. newspapers, collected from various online sources. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as names, dates, places of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships.
Many religious groups have deposited their records at the West Virginia and Regional History Collection. Church record inventories compiled as part of the Historical Records Survey are available there and at the FHL. For a complete discussion of early church records, see Virginia-Church Records.
The most extensive collection of West Virginia tombstone inscriptions was compiled by the Historical Records Survey. Available at the West Virginia and Regional History Collection and on microfilm at the FHL, the collection includes inscriptions through 1939-40. The DAR and others have published volumes of cemetery records.
Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Wood County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:
Find Obituaries in The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of West Virginia obituaries to help you research your family history. Search for a West Virginia newspaper obituary about your ancestor or a celebrity. Begin your search today and find death notices and funeral announcements printed in newspapers from West Virginia.
When view family trees online or not, be sure to only take the info at face value and always follow up with your own sources or verify the ones they provide. Below is a list of online resources for Wood County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Wood County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:
Genealogy Encyclopedia: General Abbreviations, Early Illnesses, Nickname Meanings, Worldwide Epidemics, Early Occupations, Common Terms, Censuses Explained, Free Genealogical Forms
Nichols and Related Families of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virgina.
West Virginia Family & Local History Records - The Family & Local Histories Collection lets you read journals, memoirs, and other first-hand historical narratives right on your computer. Gathered from some of the world's finest libraries, these materials may provide hard-to-find town, county, and state information; tax records and wills; military, church, and court records; as well as photographs, stories, and maps.
