These records contain an index of the Lewis County census recorded in 1847. It does not contain images. Information collected in the census includes the name of the head of household, Number of Males Under Age 12, Number of Males Under Age 18 And Over 12, Number of Males over 18, Number of Females Under Age 12, Number of Females Under Age 18 And Over 12, Number of Females over 18, and Total Number in Family.

From around the late 1700s to mid-1800s, census records reported only the name of the head of household. The age range and gender of those in the home were recorded. This information does not give an exact date of birth or place of birth for those in the household, but does allow for a general figure which is useful for tracking from one census to the next and providing an estimate as to the composition of the family for census purposes.

The information was extracted from Old Lewis County, Oregon Territory by Noah B. Coffman. The names appear transcribed exactly as printed. A reference to the 1847 Lewis County Heads of Families can also be found in a news clipping, possibly from the Chehalis Bee Nugget by Judd C. Bush, in the Jackson-Koontz-Glover Collection MSS 078 in the Washington State Library.

Learn about the documentation of Census in Washington and what information is found in the various record types by selecting the tab that says "About this Collection"here.