Tama County, Iowa Genealogy
Guide to Tama County, Iowa ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records.
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County Information
Description
Tama County was named for Taimah, a leader of the Mesquaki Indians. The county is located in central Iowa.[3]
County Courthouse
Tama County Courthouse
100 West High Street / P.O. Box 306
Toledo, IA 52342
Phone: 641-484-3721
Tama County Website
Tama County, Iowa Record Dates
Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.
| Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
| 1880 | 1853 | 1880 | 1859 | 1853 | 1895 | 1847 |
Record Loss
|
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county. |
Boundary Changes
|
Populated Places
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[6]
| Cities | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| American Indian Communities | ||
| Townships | ||
History Timeline
Resources
Bible Records
Listed below are resources for Bible records specific to Tama County. To find more resources, go to the Iowa Bible Records page.
Biographies
- History of Tama County, Iowa: and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Springfield, IL: Union Publishing Co., 1883. Online at: Internet Archive, HathiTrust.
- Hurrah for Bonnie Iowa: an authentic story of two families from Scotland who pioneered in Iowa. By Janette Stevenson Murray and Janet Murray Fiske. Lake Mills, IA: Graphic Publishing Co., 1963. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library.
- Tama County, Iowa Biographies Project at RootsWeb — links to biographies and local histories
Business, Commerce, and Occupations
- Iowa, State Employees at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
Cemeteries
Census Records
Iowa recorded not only federal, but state censuses for several in-between years as well. For more information, see the very informative Iowa Census article.
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± |
| 1850 | 8 | — |
| 1860 | 5,285 | 65962.5% |
| 1870 | 16,131 | 205.2% |
| 1880 | 21,585 | 33.8% |
| 1890 | 22,052 | 2.2% |
| 1900 | 24,585 | 11.5% |
| 1910 | 22,156 | −9.9% |
| 1920 | 21,861 | −1.3% |
| 1930 | 21,987 | 0.6% |
| 1940 | 22,428 | 2.0% |
| 1950 | 21,688 | −3.3% |
| 1960 | 21,413 | −1.3% |
| 1970 | 20,147 | −5.9% |
| 1980 | 19,533 | −3.0% |
| 1990 | 17,419 | −10.8% |
| 2000 | 18,103 | 3.9% |
| 2010 | 17,767 | −1.9% |
| Source: "Wikipedia.org". | ||
State Census
- 1885 Iowa State Census, 1885 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1895 Iowa State Census, 1895 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1905 Iowa State Census, 1905 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images (individual cards, not family context)
- 1915 Iowa State Census, 1915 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1925 Iowa State Census, 1925 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Church Records
Most church records are held by individual churches. Some denominations are gathering their records into a central repository. For more information about these major repositories, see Iowa Church Records.
- 1845-1987 Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths, 1845-1987 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; selected counties, incomplete; includes, death, church, and cemetery records
Lutheran
- 1781-1969 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
Court Records
Directories
- 1879 History of Tama County, Iowa : its Cities, Towns and Villages with Early Reminiscences, Personal Incidents and Anecdotes and a Complete Business Directory of the County(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images
- 1970-2024 United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index, coverage may vary
Emigration and Immigration
Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups
Funeral Homes
- Anderson Funeral Homes in Gladbrook
- Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama
- Overton Funeral Homes in Dysart and Traer
Genealogies
Guardianship
Land and Property Records
Land and property records can place an ancestor in a particular location, provide economic information, and reveal family relationships. They include: deeds, abstracts and indexes, mortgages, leases, grants and land patents.
See Iowa Land and Property for information about early Iowa land grants. After land was transferred to private ownership, transactions were usually recorded and housed at the county courthouse.
Online Land Indexes and Records
- Full-Text Search - Land Records at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; How to Search
Local Histories
Local histories are available for Tama County, which may include biographies, church, school and government history, and military information. For more information about local histories, see Iowa Local Histories.
- A History of Tama County, Iowa. By J.R. Caldwell. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1910. Online at: Vol. I - FamilySearch Digital Library, HathiTrust; Vol. II - FamilySearch Digital Library, HathiTrust.
- History of Tama County, Iowa: and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Springfield, IL: Union Publishing Co., 1883. Online at: Internet Archive, HathiTrust.
- History of Tama County, Iowa: Its Cities, Towns and Villages. By Samuel D. Chapman. Toledo, IA: Toledo Times Office, 1879. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library, Internet Archive, HathiTrust; Ancestry ($).
- Tama County, Iowa in the World War, 1917-1918. Tama, IA: Tama News. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library.
Maps and Gazetteers
County and state maps, historical and more current, are valuable research tools. For online maps and collections in libraries and societies, see Iowa Maps. Historical maps may be especially useful.
for more resources
- 1860-1918 U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918, Tama County at Ancestry ($) - index.
- 1875-2007 Tama County 1875-2007 at Historic Map Works - may include names of land-owners.
- 1883-1915 Fire Insurance Maps for Tama County, Iowa at Library of Congress - various years between 1875 and 2007.
- Atlas of Tama County, Iowa(*); at FamilySearch Catalog — images.
- IAGenWeb - Tama County.
- Iowa Digital Library, Tama County at Iowa University Libraries.
- Iowa USGS Topographic.
- Plat Book of Tama County, Iowa(*); at FamilySearch Catalog — images.
- Tama County Maps at FamilySearch Catalog.
- The Iowa Heritage Digital Collections, Tama County at State Library of Iowa.
- FamilySearch Places: Map of cities and towns in this county - How to Use FS Places.
Migration
Military Records
Multiple Wars
- 1835-1998 Iowa, Armed Forces Grave Registrations, ca. 1835-1998 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index only
- 1862-1910 Iowa, Records of Persons Subject to Military Duty, 1862-1910 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Civil War
- 1861-1949 Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic Membership Records, 1861-1949 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Civil War service men in Tama County served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (within a regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies that were specifically formed here:
- - 10th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company C
- - 14th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company G
- - 24th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company E
- - 28th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company F
Naturalization and Citizenship
Please see the Iowa Naturalization and Citizenship page for state-wide information.
Online Naturalization Indexes and Records
- 1845-1930 Naturalization Records, 1845-1930; Indexes, 1859-1930(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — part index, images
- 1859-1990 United States, Iowa Naturalization Records, 1859-1990 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Newspapers
- 1800s-Current Iowa, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1847-1976 — Tama County Historical Society Community History Archive at Tama County Historical Society & Genealogical Library (Amateur Star, Daily Star Clipper, Dysart Reporter, Garwin Gazette, Garwin News, Garwin Record, Garwin Star, Garwin Sun, Iowa Transcript, LeGrand Herald, Le Grand News, Le Grand Record, Le Grand Reporter, Orford Weekly Leader, Tama Citizen, Tama County Advocate, Tama County Democrat, Tama County Leader, Tama County Republican, Tama County Semi-Weekly Leader, Tama County Union, Tama Free Press, Tama Herald, Tama News Herald, Tama Northern, Toledo Chronicle, Toledo Chronicle Democrat, Traer Clipper, Traer Star, Traer Star Clipper, Traer Weekly Star)
- 1955 — Gladbrook Tama Northern at Ancestry($) — Gladbrook, IA, USA
Obituaries
Other Records
Periodicals
Probate Records
In most counties in Iowa, probate records have been kept by the county judge. They include wills, fee books, claim registers, legacy records, inheritance records, probate ticklers, and dockets. The records are available at the county courthouse.
Online Probate Indexes and Records
- 1758-1997 Iowa, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1853-1930 Index to District Court, Circuit Court and Probate Cases, 1853-1930(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
- 1854-1913 Will Records, 1854-1913(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — images
- 1854-1924 Probate Records, 1854-1900; Indexes, 1854-1924(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — District Court
- 1856-1970 Iowa, Tama County, Probate Records, 1856-1970(*); at FamilySearch Catalog — images
- 1863-1903 Record of Heirs and Estates of Decedents, Vol 1, 1863-1903(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
- Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; How to Search
School Records
Social Security Records
- 1935-2014 United States Social Security Death Index at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index. Also at Ancestry, findmypast, Fold3, GenealogyBank, MyHeritage, and Steve Morse. Click here for more information.
- 1936-2007 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1936-2007 United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007 at FamilySearch - How to Use this Collection; index
Tax Records
Iowa tax records complement land records and can supplement the years between censuses. Iowa's unique Old Age Assistance tax gives names, addresses and birth years. There may be gaps of several years. For more information, see the wiki page Iowa Taxation.
Online Tax Indexes and Records
- 1865-1939 Iowa, Tama County, Tax Records, 1865-1939 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1934-1958 Iowa, Old Age Tax Assistance Records, 1934-1958 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Vital Records
Vital Records consist of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths recorded by civil officials on registers, certificates, and other documents. Copies or extracts may be purchased from the Iowa Department of Public Health or the County Clerk's office. See also Iowa Vital Records.
Birth
- 1850-1939 Iowa, Delayed Birth Records, 1850-1939 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1880-1935 Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1921-1942 Iowa, Birth Records, 1921-1942 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1921-1947 Iowa, Birth and Stillbirth Records, 1921-1947 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images, coverage may vary
Marriage
- 1518-1996 Iowa, United States Marriages at Findmypast — index ($)
- 1809-1992 Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992 at MyHeritage — index ($)
- 1836-1926 Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926 at MyHeritage — index ($)
- 1838-1934 Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1880-1951 Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1951 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1941-1951 Iowa, Marriage Records, 1941-1951 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
Death
- 1845-1987 Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths, 1845-1987 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; selected counties, incomplete; includes, death, church, and cemetery records
- 1850-1990 Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index and some images; Also at: MyHeritage($)
- 1880-1992 Iowa, County Death Records, 1880-1992 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1888-1904 Iowa, Death Records, 1888-1904 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index and images, coverage may vary
- 1900-1939 Iowa Death Index, 1900-1939 at MyHeritage — index ($)
- 1904-1951 Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1920-1967 Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
Divorce
Research Facilities
Archives
Listed below are archives in Tama County. For state-wide library facilities, see Iowa Archives and Libraries.
FamilySearch Centers
FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries
- FamilySearch Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
- FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a FamilySearch center.
Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries
- Belle Plaine Iowa FamilySearch Center
- Cedar Falls/Waterloo Iowa FamilySearch Center
- Marshalltown Iowa FamilySearch Center
- Newton Iowa FamilySearch Center
- African American Museum Of Iowa - an affiliate library
- Genealogical Society of Linn County Iowa dba Cedar Rapids Area Genealogy Library - an affiliate library
Libraries
Listed below are libraries in Tama County. For state-wide library facilities, see Iowa Archives and Libraries.
Tama County Historical Society & Genealogical Library
200 N. Broadway
Toledo, IA 52342
Phone: 641-484-6767
Website
Norma Anders Public Library
320 Main Street
Dysart, IA
Phone: 319-476-5210
Website
Toledo Public Library
206 East High Street
Toledo, IA 52342
Phone: 641-484-3362
Email: tpl@toledo.lib.ia.us
Website
Museums
Meskwaki Nation Cultural Center & Museum
303 Meskwaki Road
Mailing Address:
349 Meskwaki Road
Tama, IA 52339
Phone: 641-484-3185
Toll Free: 800-944-9503
Website
Traer Historical Museum
514 2nd Street
Traer, IA 50675
Phone: 319-478-2346
Email: traermuseum@gmail.com
Website
Societies
Listed below are societies in Tama County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see Iowa Societies.
Tama County Tracers Genealogical Society and Historical Society
200 N. Broadway
Toledo, IA 52342-0084
Phone: 641-484-6767
Website
Dysart Historical Society
612 Crisman Street
Dysart, IA 52224
Phone: 319-476-7345
Email: dhs_612@fctc.coop
Website
Websites
- State Historical Society of Iowa — select from research collection topics
- State Library of Iowa — electronic depository of documents intended for the general public produced by Iowa agencies
- Tama County at Cyndi's List - a comprehensive, categorized & cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online
- Tama County at Genealogy Trails - volunteer transcriptions of genealogical and historical data
- Tama County at Iowa USGenWeb - free online resources for genealogical research
- Tama County at Iowa USGenWeb Archives - free online data for genealogical research
- Tama County at Linkpendium - genealogy and family history
- The Iowa Heritage Digital Collection — digital images from a variety of Iowa cultural institutions
- FamilySearch Catalog – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection. Use Historical Records to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
Research Guides
References
- ↑ Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed July 29,2021.
- ↑ Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed July 29,2021.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Tama, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tama_County,_Iowa."
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Tama County, Iowa Genealogy," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Tama_County,_Iowa_Genealogy#Places.2FLocalities, accessed 24 October 2019.