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Ritchie County, West Virginia
Genealogy, History & Facts

Ritchie County, West Virginia Facts

When was Ritchie County, WV Created?
Ritchie County was established on February 18, 1843 from Harrison CountyLewis CountyWood County.

What is the County Seat of Ritchie County, WV?
The County Seat is located in Harrisville and the county government website is http://www.ritchiecounty.wv.gov

What counties are adjacent to Ritchie County, WV?
Bordering Counties are Pleasants CountyTyler CountyDoddridge CountyGilmer CountyCalhoun CountyWirt CountyWood County.

Ritchie County, WV Vital Records

Where can find Ritchie County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Ritchie County vital records can be found at the West Virginia Office of Vital Records which has copies of birth and death records from January 1917 to present; marriage records from 1921 to present and divorce records from 1968 to present. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in West Virginia for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Ritchie County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for West Virginia Birth CertificateMarriage CertificateDeath Certificate Applications to mail.

Ritchie County, WV Census Records

What Ritchie County, WV census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Ritchie County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1850186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

Ritchie Co. Mortality Schedules can be acquired for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Ritchie Co. Industry and Agriculture can be found for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Ritchie Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be obtained for 1890. One can find free down-loadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also West Virginia Census Records Research Guide

Ritchie County, WV Courthouse and Government Records

What genealogical records can I find in the Ritchie County Courthouse?
The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also West Virginia Courthouse Records Research Guide.

  • Ritchie County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 115 E Main St, Harrisville, WV 26362
  • Ritchie County Clerk
    • Phone: 304-643-2164 Ext. 221
    • Birth / Death Records: 1853
    • Marriage Records: 1843
    • Land Records: 1843
    • Probate Records: 1843
  • Ritchie County Clerk of Circuit Court
    • Phone: 304-643-2164 Ext. 229
    • Court Records: 1843

Ritchie County, WV Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Ritchie County, WV?
A list of Ritchie County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide West Virginia Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Ritchie County, WV Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Ritchie County, WV?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Ritchie County. Each of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Personal Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a payment. This is basically a list which has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site above another.

Ritchie Co. WV Books, Newspapers & Publications

Ritchie Co. WV Church & Cemeteries

Ritchie Co. WV Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Ritchie Co. WV General and History Websites

Ritchie Co. WV Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Ritchie Co. WV Military Records