Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy: Difference between revisions

From FamilySearch Wiki
VisualWikitext
m (→‎Birth: Added births database)
(68 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Locality
{{breadcrumb
|Name=Decatur County
|ID=394060
|Level=2
|Country=United States
|CountryID=1
|Locality1=Iowa
|Locality1id=364
|Locality2=Decatur County
|Locality2id=394060
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Iowa, United States Genealogy|Iowa]]
| link2= [[Iowa, United States Genealogy|Iowa]]
Line 15: Line 5:
| link4=
| link4=
| link5=[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy|Decatur County]]
| link5=[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy|Decatur County]]
}}
}}  


Guide to '''Decatur County, Iowa ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records.
Guide to '''Decatur County, Iowa ancestry, family history, and genealogy''' birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.<br>
<div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Iowa Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div> {{Infobox U.S. County
| county = Decatur County
| county_map = Iowa Decatur Map.png
| state = Iowa
| state_map = Iowa.png
| latd =
| longd =
| founded year = 1846
| founded date = January 13
| seat = Leon
| building image = Iowa, Decatur County Courthouse.png
| building address =
}}


{| style="width:18%; float:right"
=== County Information  ===
|-
|
<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Iowa Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
|-
|
<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
|organized= May 8 1850<ref>[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/IA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Iowa Historical Boundary Changes] - list of all boundary changes by county provided by [https://www.newberry.org/ Newberry Library]; accessed 23 July 2021.</ref>
|county seat= Leon
|parent county= Unorganized territory<ref>[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/IA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Iowa Historical Boundary Changes] - list of all boundary changes by county provided by [https://www.newberry.org/ Newberry Library]; accessed 23 July 2021.</ref>
|variant spellings=
|county1= [[Clarke County, Iowa Genealogy|Clarke]]
|county2= [[Lucas County, Iowa Genealogy|Lucas]]
|county3= [[Ringgold County, Iowa Genealogy|Ringgold]]
|county4= [[Union County, Iowa Genealogy|Union]]
|county5= [[Wayne County, Iowa Genealogy|Wayne]]
|county6= [[Harrison County, Missouri Genealogy|Harrison (MO)]]
|county7= [[Mercer County, Missouri Genealogy|Mercer (MO)]]</br><center>[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center>
|county8=
|county9=
|county10=
|county courthouse= [[Image:Iowa, Decatur County Courthouse.png|245x245px]]
|county location in state= [[Image:Iowa Decatur Map.png|185x185px]]
|adoption=
}}
|}</center>
<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div>
[[Image:Stephen Decatur.JPG|thumb|right|200px|<center>Stephen Decatur</center>]]


== County Information ==
==== Description ====


=== Description ===
The County was named for Stephen Decatur Jr. The County has Leon as its seat and the County was created 1846. The County is located in the south central area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur, Iowa," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa.</ref>
Decatur County was named for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Decatur Stephen Decatur Jr] and is located in southern Iowa.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur, Iowa," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa.</ref>


=== County Courthouse ===
==== Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates  ====
{{IA Courthouse Intro|Decatur}}
'''Decatur County Courthouse'''<br>207 N Main Street<br>Leon, IA 50144-1647<br>Phone: 515-446-4331<br>[https://decaturcountyiowa.gov/ Decatur County Website]<br><br>


=== Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates  ===
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{{IA Record Dates Intro|Decatur}}
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref></center>
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Major County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Decatur County, Iowa. Page 230-238 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 222-225.</ref></center>
|-
|-
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
Line 71: Line 42:
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
|-
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880  
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
Line 79: Line 50:
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1847
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1847
|-
|-
| colspan="7"| <center>* Statewide registration started for births in July 1880 and for deaths January 1891. General compliance by 1924.</center>
| colspan="7"| <center>Statewide registration started for births in July 1880 and for deaths January 1891. General compliance by 1924.</center>
|}
|}


=== Record Loss ===
=== County Courthouse  ===
{|
 
|-
Decatur County Courthouse<br>207 Main Street<br>Leon, IA 50144-1647<br>
|
 
(515) 446-4331
 
=== History  ===
 
[[Image:Stephen Decatur.JPG|thumb|right|200px|<center>Stephen Decatur</center>]]
 
The county is named after U.S. naval officer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Decatur Stephen Decatur] (1779-1820).<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Tennessee_county_name_etymologies "List of counties in Tennessee"], Wikipedia.</ref>
 
==== Parent County  ====
 
'''1846--'''Decatur County was created 13 January 1846 from unorganized territory. It was attached to&nbsp;Davis County prior to organization 6 March 1850.&nbsp; <br>'''County seat:'''&nbsp; Leon <ref>''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>
 
==== Boundary Changes  ====
 
For animated maps illustrating Iowa County boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/iowa/ "Rotating Formation Iowa County Boundary Maps"] (1816-1872) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.
 
==== Record Loss  ====
 
'''1874''' Courthouse was destroyed by fire on March 31 and most records were lost.
'''1874''' Courthouse was destroyed by fire on March 31 and most records were lost.


{{Fire+}}
{{Fire+}}
|}
=== Boundary Changes ===
{{IA Boundary Changes Intro|Decatur}}
{|
|-
|
*'''1846--'''Decatur County was created 13 January 1846 from unorganized territory. It was attached to Davis County prior to being fully organized 8 May 1850.<ref>[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/IA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Iowa Historical Boundary Changes] - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed 25 July 2021.</ref><br>''
*'''County seat:''' Leon<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Iowa.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/IA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Iowa Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
*[https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/map/map.html#IA Iowa Historical Borders - Map] at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; ''Also at:'' [http://www.mapofus.org/iowa/ mapofus.org] - animated maps illustrating Iowa county boundary changes
|}


=== Populated Places ===
=== Places/Localities  ===
{{IA Populated Places Intro|Decatur}}
 
'''Town/city records in the FamilySearch Catalog'''
 
 
==== Populated Places ====


For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://iowa.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,053,c,decatur.cfm HomeTown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur County, Iowa," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa, accessed 2 September 2019.</ref>
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://iowa.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,053,c,decatur.cfm HomeTown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur County, Iowa," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa, accessed 2 September 2019.</ref>  


{{Populated places
{{Populated places
Line 126: Line 108:
<!--unincorp column------------------->
<!--unincorp column------------------->
| unincorp-col1=<div>
| unincorp-col1=<div>
 
*{{FHL|United States, Iowa, Decatur, Terre Haute|place|disp=Terre Haute}}
</div>
</div>
| unincorp-col2=<div></div>
| unincorp-col2=<div></div>
Line 132: Line 114:
<!--townships column------------------->
<!--townships column------------------->
| townships-col1=<div>
| townships-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomington_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Bloomington]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomington_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Bloomington]  
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrell_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Burrell]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burrell_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Burrell]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Center]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Center]
Line 152: Line 134:
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richland_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Richland]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richland_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Richland]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodland_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Woodland]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodland_Township,_Decatur_County,_Iowa Woodland]
</div>
</div>  
}}
}}


=== History Timeline ===
==== Neighboring Counties  ====
{{IA Historical Timeline Intro|Decatur}}


== Resources ==
[[Clarke County, Iowa Genealogy|Clarke]]{{•}} [[Lucas County, Iowa Genealogy|Lucas]]{{•}} [[Ringgold County, Iowa Genealogy|Ringgold]]{{•}} [[Union County, Iowa Genealogy|Union]]{{•}} [[Wayne County, Iowa Genealogy|Wayne]]{{•}} [[Harrison County, Missouri Genealogy|Harrison County, Missouri]]{{•}} [[Mercer County, Missouri Genealogy|Mercer County, Missouri]]
{{IA Resources Intro|Decatur}}


=== Bible Records ===
== Resources  ==
{{IA Bible Intro|Decatur}}


=== Biographies ===
==== Cemeteries ====
{{IA Biographies Intro|Decatur}}


*''Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa''.  Chicago, IL: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/162405-biographical-and-historical-record-of-ringgold-and-decatur-counties-iowa?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library], [https://archive.org/details/biographicalhist02chic Internet Archive], [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=iau.31858034606883&view=1up&seq=9&skin=2021 HathiTrust].
{| width="80%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" border="1"
* ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its People''. 2 volumes.  By J.M. Howell and C Smith Heman. Chicago, IL: J. S. Clarke Publishing Co., 1915. '''''Online at:''''' Vol. I - [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/584039-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-1?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; Vol. II - [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; Vols. I & II - [https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008652888 HathiTrust], [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/23751/ Ancestry] ($).
|-
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~iabiog/decatur/decatur.html Decatur County, Iowa Biographies Project] at RootsWeb — links to biographies and local histories<br>
| width="30%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" align="center" | '''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''
 
| width="30%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" align="center" | '''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print'''
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
| width="30%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" align="center" | '''List of Cemeteries in the county'''
{{IA Business Records Intro|Decatur}}
|-
* [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20287/iowa-state-employees?s=275764761 Iowa, State Employees] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial Findagrave.com]
 
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | {{FHL|364895|subject-id|disp=Family History Library}}
=== Cemeteries ===
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery-browse/USA/Iowa/Decatur-County?id=county_573 Findagrave.com]
{{IA Cemeteries Intro|Decatur}}
|-
 
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/cemeteryDocs/cem_index.html IAGenWeb]
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;  "
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Decatur+Iowa&qt=advanced&dblist=638 WorldCat]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://billiongraves.com/search/cemetery Billion Graves]
|-
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Decatur County, Iowa''' online and in print</center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/cemetery.html IAGenWeb Archives]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
|-
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://www.usgwtombstones.org/iowa/decatur.html Tombstone Project]
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
 
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Iowa&cemetery_county=Decatur&year_range=5&size=15  BillionGraves]
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Decatur%2C+County%2C+Iowa%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_573 Find a Grave]
*[http://www.usgwtombstones.org/iowa/decatur.html IA Tombstone Transcription Project]  
* [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/cemeteryDocs/cem_index.html IAGenWeb]
*[http://iowagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?cid=27 Iowa Gravestone Photo Project]
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/cemetery.html USGenWeb Archives]
* [https://iowawpagraves.org/index.php?cid=27 WPA 1930's Graves Registration Survey]
*{{RecordSearch|2366613|Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths (cemetery records)}}, incomplete
 
|-
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print''' [[The Value of Cemetery Records in Print |(Often more complete)]]</center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://iowagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?cid=27 Iowa Gravestones]
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* {{FSC|United States, Iowa, Decatur - Cemeteries|subject|subject-id=29080312|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Decatur+Iowa&qt=advanced&dblist=638 WorldCat]
|-
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://billiongraves.com/search# Billion Graves]
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?cemetery-name=&cemetery-loc=Decatur%2C+County%2C+Iowa%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_573 Find a Grave]
|-
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Iowa Cemeteries|Iowa Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" colspan="3" | See [[Iowa Cemeteries|Iowa Cemeteries]] for more information.
|}
|}


=== Census Records ===
=== Census ===
{{IA Census Intro|Decatur}}
 
{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
|type = USA
|type = USA
|heading = Census
|heading = Census
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]  
|1850 |965
|1850 |965
|1860 |8677
|1860 |8677
|1870 |12018
|1870 |12018
|1880 |15336
|1880 |15336
|1890 |15643
|1890 |15643
|1900 |18115
|1900 |18115
|1910 |16347
|1910 |16347  
|1920 |16566
|1920 |16566  
|1930 |14903
|1930 |14903  
|1940 |14012
|1940 |14012  
|1950 |12601
|1950 |12601
|1960 |10539
|1960 |10539
|1970 |9737
|1970 |9737
|1980 |9794
|1980 |9794
|1990 |8338
|1990 |8338
|2000 |8689
|2000 |8689
|2010 |8457
|2010 |8457
}}
}}


'''''State Census'''''<br>
Iowa recorded not only the federal census but state census through out the years too. The state census contains very valuable genealogical information. Where the census information can be found, what years it was taken, mortality schedules, census substitutions and much more is discussed in the very informative [[Iowa Census]] article.
* '''1885''' {{RecordSearch|1803643|Iowa State Census, 1885}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1885 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
'''''State Census'''''
* '''1895''' {{RecordSearch|1803957|Iowa State Census, 1895}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1895 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1895''' - {{RecordSearch|1803957|Iowa State Census, 1895}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
* '''1905''' {{RecordSearch|2126961|Iowa State Census, 1905}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1905 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images (individual cards, not family context)
*'''1905''' - {{RecordSearch|2126961|Iowa State Census, 1905}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
* '''1915''' {{RecordSearch|2240483|Iowa State Census, 1915}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1915 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1915''' - {{RecordSearch|2240483|Iowa State Census, 1915}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
* '''1925''' {{RecordSearch|2224537|Iowa State Census, 1925}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1925 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1925''' - {{RecordSearch|2224537|Iowa State Census. 1925}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images


=== Church Records ===
=== Church ===
{{IA Church Intro|Decatur}}


*'''1845-1987''' {{RecordSearch|2366613|Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths, 1845-1987}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; selected counties, incomplete; includes, death, church, and cemetery records <br>
{{IA Church Intro}}
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]'''
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]'''


'''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'''
LDS Ward and Branch&nbsp;Records  
LDS Ward and Branch Records
 
*Garden Grove
*Garden Grove


'''''Lutheran'''''<br>
=== Court  ===
* '''1781-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/?clickref=1011ldrarFJZ&o_lid=01100l4xJr&o_sch=Affiliate%2BExternal&o_xid=01100l4xJr U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969] at Ancestry ($)
 
=== Court Records ===
{{IA Court Intro|Decatur}}
 
* '''1871-1922''' {{FSC|414497|item|disp=Court Records, 1874-1920; Index, 1871-1922}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1873-1886''' {{FSC|414442|item|disp=Circuit Court General Index, 1873-1886 : Complete Record, vol. 1, 1874-1886}}(*); Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1886-1904''' {{FSC|553943|item|disp=Miscellaneous Records, 1886-1902; Index, 1873-1904}}(*); County Recorder at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1893-1903''' {{FSC|414434|item|disp=Insane Record, vol. 2, 1893-1903}}(*); District Court  at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* '''1925-1976''' {{FSC|414422|item|disp=Lien Index, 1925-1976 : Index to Pigeon Holes & Flat Files}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
 
=== Directories ===
{{IA Directories Intro|Decatur}}
*'''1970-2024''' {{RecordSearch|5000290|United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024}} at FamilySearch — [[United States, Residence Database - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index, coverage may vary
 
=== Emigration and Immigration ===
{{IA Emigration Intro|Decatur}}


=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups ===
=== Land  ===
{{IA Ethnic Groups Intro|Decatur}}


=== Funeral Homes  ===
{{IA Land Intro}}  
{{IA Funeral Homes Intro|Decatur}}


*[https://www.sladefuneralhome.com/ Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home] in Leon<br>
=== Local Histories  ===


=== Genealogies  ===
{{IA History}}  
{{IA Genealogies Intro|Decatur}}


=== Guardianship ===
*Howell, J. M. ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people''. Chicago&nbsp;: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1915.
{{IA Guardianship Intro|Decatur}}
**Vol 1 Online at [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/584039-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-1?offset=1 FamilySearch] (Free); and at [https://archive.org/details/historyofdecatur00howe Internetarchive] (Free)
**Vol 2 Online at [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch] (Free); and at [https://archive.org/details/historyofdecatur02howe Internetarchive] (Free)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=23751 History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people] at Ancestry.com ($)


=== Land and Property Records ===
=== Maps  ===
{{IA Land Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{IA Decatur County}}}}
*[http://www.mapofus.org/iowa/ Old Antique Atlases &amp; Maps of Iowa]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=8&reqTypeLabel=Cities%20and%20Towns FamilySearch Places]:Cities and Towns- [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]


''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
=== Migration ===
*'''1856-1866'''  {{FSC|405522|item|disp=Copies of original entries, 1856-1866}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - images
*'''1872-1945'''  {{FSC|414414|item|disp=Deeds and mortgages, 1872-1945; indexes, 1873-1901}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
*'''1881-1874''' {{FSC|405532|item|disp=Abstract of conveyances by the state of Iowa of lands in Decatur County vol. 1, 1851-1874}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
*'''1886-1902'''  {{FSC|553943|item|disp=Miscellaneous records, 1886-1902; index, 1873-1904}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


Early migration routes to and from {{PAGENAME}} for European settlers included:
{| style="float:right;
|-
|{{MormonLDSRemoval}}
|}
:*[[Mormon Trail]] 1846 from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah<ref>National Park Service, "Auto Tour Route Maps" in ''Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail'' at http://www.nps.gov/mopi/planyourvisit/maps.htm (accessed 18 July 2011).</ref>


=== Local Histories ===
=== Military  ===
{{IA Histories Intro|Decatur}}
*'''1835-1998''' - {{RecordSearch|2515886|Iowa, Armed Forces Grave Registrations, ca. 1835-1998}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index
*'''1861-1949''' - {{RecordSearch|2351982|Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic Membership Records, 1861-1949}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1862-1910''' - {{RecordSearch|2821291|Iowa, Records of Persons Subject to Military Duty, 1862-1910}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index


*''Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa''.  Chicago, IL: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/162405-biographical-and-historical-record-of-ringgold-and-decatur-counties-iowa?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library], [https://archive.org/details/biographicalhist02chic Internet Archive], [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=iau.31858034606883&view=1up&seq=9&skin=2021 HathiTrust]; {{WorldCat|1041618418|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}.
==== Civil War ====
* ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its People''. 2 volumes. By J.M. Howell and C Smith Heman. Chicago, IL: J. S. Clarke Publishing Co., 1915. '''''Online at:''''' Vol. I - [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/584039-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-1?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; Vol. II - [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; Vols. I & II - [https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008652888 HathiTrust], [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/23751/ Ancestry] ($).
{{VAciv}}  
 
:- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
:- [[17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company A
{{IA Maps Intro|Decatur}}
:- [[48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C
 
:- [[17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company A<br>:- [[48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C<br>:- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
{{IA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{IA Decatur County}}}}
* '''1860-1918''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1127/?residence=_decatur-iowa-usa_846 U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918, Decatur County] at Ancestry ($) - index.
* '''1875-2007''' [http://www.historicmapworks.com/Search/city.php?query=Decatur+County&State=IA&x=0&y=0 Decatur County 1875-2007] at Historic Map Works - may include names of land-owners.
* '''1886-1916''' [https://www.loc.gov/maps/?q=Decatur+County,+Iowa&st=gallery Fire Insurance Maps for Decatur County, Iowa] at Library of Congress - various years between 1886 and 1916.
* [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=1321&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Iowa%2C%20Decatur%22 Decatur County Maps] at FamilySearch Catalog.
* IAGenWeb - [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/ Decatur County].
* [https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/islandora/search/Decatur%20County%2C%20Iowa?type=edismax&cp=ui%3Aatlases Iowa Digital Library, Decatur County] at Iowa University Libraries.
* [https://www.iowaheritage.org/search?query=Decatur+County%2C+Iowa+Atlases+and+Maps The Iowa Heritage Digital Collections, Decatur County] at State Library of Iowa.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=8&reqTypeLabel=Cities%20and%20Towns FamilySearch Places]: Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]].
 
=== Migration ===
{{IA Migration Intro|Decatur}}
 
Early migration routes to and from Decatur County for European settlers included:
{| style="float:right;
|-
|{{MormonLDSRemoval}}
|}
*[[Mormon Trail]] 1846 from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah<ref>National Park Service, "Auto Tour Route Maps" in ''Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail'' at http://www.nps.gov/mopi/planyourvisit/maps.htm (accessed 18 July 2011).</ref>
 
=== Military Records ===
{{IA Military Intro|Decatur}}
 
'''''Multiple Wars'''''
* '''1835-1998''' {{RecordSearch|2515886|Iowa, Armed Forces Grave Registrations, ca. 1835-1998}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Armed Forces Grave Registrations - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index only
* '''1862-1910''' {{RecordSearch|2821291|Iowa, Records of Persons Subject to Military Duty, 1862-1910}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Records of Persons Subject to Military Duty - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
 
'''''Civil War'''''<br>
* '''1861-1949''' {{RecordSearch|2351982|Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic Membership Records, 1861-1949}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic Membership Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
Civil War service men in Decatur 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:
:- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
:- [[17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company A
:- [[48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C


=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{IA Naturalization Intro|Decatur}}
*'''1859-1990''' - {{RecordSearch|3155890|United States, Iowa Naturalization Records, 1859-1990}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images


''Online Naturalization Indexes and Records''<br>
=== Newspapers  ===
* '''1859-1990''' {{RecordSearch|3155890|United States, Iowa Naturalization Records, 1859-1990}} at FamilySearch — [[United States, Iowa Naturalization Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
* '''1876-1928''' {{FSC|490055|item|disp=Naturalization Records, 1876-1928}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog —index, images
* '''1930-1936''' {{FSC|712491|item|disp=Naturalization Related Records, 1930-1936}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog —images


=== Newspapers ===
{{wikipedia|List of online newspaper archives|List of online newspaper archives}}  
{{IA Newspapers Intro|Decatur}}


*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50040/ Iowa, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
NewspaperArchive.com ($) has a large collection of digitized [http://www.newspaperarchive.com/BrowseLocations.aspx?co=7&s=39 Iowa newspapers] online. This database is sometimes free at libraries.
* '''1938''' ''[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8392 Leon Journal Record.]'' 1938 Leon, IA, USA. Online at Ancestry ($)


=== Obituaries ===
*'''''Leon Journal Record.''''' 1938 Leon, IA, USA. Online at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8392 Ancestry.com] ($)
{{IA Obituaries Intro|Decatur}}


=== Other Records ===
=== Probate  ===
{{IA Other Records Intro|Decatur}}
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''


=== Periodicals ===
*'''1758 - 1997''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9064 Iowa Wills and Probate Records 1758-1997] at [http://home.ancestry.com/ Ancestry.com] — index and images $
{{IA Periodicals Intro|Decatur}}


=== Probate Records ===
{{IA Probate Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Probate Intro|Decatur}}


''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
=== Taxation  ===
* '''1758-1997''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9064/ Iowa, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1934-1958''' - {{RecordSearch|2573700|Iowa, Old Age Tax Assistance Records, 1934-1958}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index
*'''1871-1952'''  {{FSC|423100|item|disp=Probate Records, 1871-1952; Index 1864-1926}}(*); Probate Court at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
{{IA Tax Intro}}
* {{FSC|121014|item|disp=General Index to Probate Records, No. 1}}(*); Probate Court at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


=== Vital Records  ===


=== School Records ===
{{IA Vital Intro}}
{{IA Schools Intro|Decatur}}
=====Births=====
*'''1850-1939''' - {{RecordSearch|2527591|Iowa, Delayed Birth Records, 1850-1939}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1921-1942''' - {{RecordSearch|2849548|Iowa, Birth Records, 1921-1942}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images


=== Social Security Records ===
=====Marriages=====
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1518-1996''' - [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=iowa%2cia Iowa, United States Marriages] at [http://findmypast.com/ FindMyPast] — index $
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1809-1992''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30192/iowa-marriages-1809-1992?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992] at MyHeritage ($) — index
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1836-1926''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10206/iowa-marriages-1836-1926?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926] at MyHeritage ($) — index
*'''1838-1934''' - {{RecordSearch|1805551|Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/ FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1880-1951''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8823/ Iowa, Marriage Records, 1880-1951] at Ancestry.com ($) — index and images


=== Tax Records ===
=====Deaths=====
{{IA Tax Intro|Decatur}}
*'''1850-1990''' - {{RecordSearch|1674841|Iowa, Deaths and Burials 1850-1990}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/ FamilySearch] - index
*'''1880-1992''' - {{RecordSearch|2110820|Iowa, County Death Records, 1880-1992}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index<br>
*'''1900-1939''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10186/iowa-death-index-1900-1939?s=275764761 Iowa Death Index, 1900-1939] at MyHeritage ($) — index
*'''1904-1951''' - {{RecordSearch|2531337|Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1920-1967''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61442/ Iowa, Death Records, 1920-1967] at Ancestry.com ($) — index and images


''Online Tax Indexes and Records''<br>
=== Societies and Libraries  ===
* '''1926''' ''Assessor's book 1926 New Buda Township, Decatur County, Iowa''. '''Online at:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/533657-assessor-s-book-1926-new-buda-township-decatur-county-iowa?viewer=1&offset=8#page=1&viewer=picture&o=&n=0&q= FamilySearch Digital Library].


* '''1934-1958''' {{RecordSearch|2573700|Iowa, Old Age Tax Assistance Records, 1934-1958}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Old Age Tax Assistance Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
'''Decatur County Genealogical Society'''<br>Lamoni Public Library<br>301 West Main<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>Telephone:641-784-6686<br>E-mail: [mailto:lamonipl@grm.net lamonipl@grm.net]<br>


=== Vital Records ===
'''Decatur County Historical Society'''<br>100 block of North Main<br>Leon, Iowa 50140<br>[http://iagenweb.org/decatur/Hist_Soc/Decatur_Hist_Society.html Website]
{{IA Vital Intro|Decatur}}


==== Birth ====
==== Family History Centers  ====
{{IA Birth Intro|Decatur}}


* '''1850-1939''' {{RecordSearch|2527591|Iowa, Delayed Birth Records, 1850-1939}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Delayed Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
{{Family History Centers Intro}}  
* '''1880-1935''' {{RecordSearch|1821206|Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, County Births - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
* '''1921-1942''' {{RecordSearch|2849548|Iowa, Birth Records, 1921-1942}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1921-1947''' {{RecordSearch|2849548|Iowa, Birth and Stillbirth Records, 1921-1947}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Birth and Stillbirth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, coverage may vary


==== Marriage ====
==== Websites  ====
{{IA Marriage Intro|Decatur}}


*'''1518-1996''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=iowa%2cia Iowa, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($)
{{WA Websites Intro}}  
*'''1809-1992''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30192/iowa-marriages-1809-1992?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1836-1926''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10206/iowa-marriages-1836-1926?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1838-1934''' {{RecordSearch|1805551|Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
* '''1880-1951''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8823/ Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1951] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
* '''1941-1951''' {{RecordSearch|4127799|Iowa, Marriage Records, 1941-1951}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


==== Death ====
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
{{IA Death Intro|Decatur}}
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#ADFF85" colspan="3" | <center>'''Sites with online indexes or images of records pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
|-
| width="30%" | [https://iowaculture.gov/history/research/collections State Historical Society of Iowa]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Select from research collection topics
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.iowaheritage.org/items/browse?search=decatur+county&submit_search=Search+All The Iowa Heritage Digital Collection]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | digital images from a variety of Iowa cultural institutions - results of "decatur county" in the search box
|-
| width="30%" | [http://publications.iowa.gov/cgi/search/simple?q=decatur+county&_action_search=Search&_order=-byyear%2Fbytitle&basic_srchtype=ALL&_satisfyall=ALL State Library of Iowa]
| width="20%" | Free
| width="60%" | electronic depository of documents intended for the general public produced by Iowa agencies - results of "decatur county" in the search box
|-
| width="30%" | [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/ IAGenWeb Project]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/decatur.htm USGenWeb Archives]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1821206] [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2110820][https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1805551] FamilySearch
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Births, 1880-1935; Deaths 1880-1992; Marriages, 1838-1934; all indexes
|}


*'''1845-1987''' {{RecordSearch|2366613|Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths, 1845-1987}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; selected counties, incomplete; includes, death, church, and cemetery records <br>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
* '''1850-1990''' {{RecordSearch|1674841|Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and some images; ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30191/iowa-deaths-burials-1850-1990?s=275764761 MyHeritage]($)''
|-
* '''1880-1992''' {{RecordSearch|2110820|Iowa, County Death Records, 1880-1992}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, County Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
| width="100%" bgcolor="#94FFFF" colspan="3" | <center>'''Sites that search for links pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
*'''1888-1904''' {{RecordSearch|5000144|Iowa, Death Records, 1888-1904}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images, coverage may vary
|-
*'''1900-1939''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10186/iowa-death-index-1900-1939?s=275764761 Iowa Death Index, 1900-1939] at MyHeritage — index ($)
| width="30%" | [http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/USA/IA/Decatur/ RootsWeb Resources]
* '''1904-1951''' {{RecordSearch|2531337|Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
| width="10%" | Free
* '''1920-1967''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61442/ Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/IA/Decatur/ Linkpendium]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/ia/counties/decatur/ CyndisList]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.genealogyinc.com/iowa/decatur-county/ StateofUS.com]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | family history resources and government records
|}


==== Divorce ====
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
{{IA Divorce Intro|Decatur}}
|-
* '''1891-1991''' {{FSC|489969|item|disp=Divorce Records, v. 1, 1891-1991}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images
| width="100%" bgcolor="#FFFF66" colspan="2" | <center>'''Major catalogs for ''hard copy'' collections of {{PAGENAME}}''' <br>Books, microfilm, or manuscripts of genealogical records</center>
|-
| width="30%" | {{FHL|United States, Iowa, Decatur|place|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}
| width="70%" | Select topics. To select towns, add a comma to the search box.
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=decatur+county+iowa&dblist=638&fq=s0%3A28000000&qt=facet_s0%3A WorldCat]
| width="70%" | To find nearby libraries that have specific items, see [[WorldCat Online Catalog]].
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/ Allen County Public Library]
| located in Indiana They are heavily involved in digitizing.
|-
| width="100%" colspan="2" | <center>'''See also''' [[{{PAGENAME}}#Societies_and_Libraries|local libraries]] and [[Iowa Archives and Libraries]]</center>
|}


== Research Facilities ==
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
{{IA Research Facilities Intro|Decatur}}
|-
 
| width="100%" bgcolor="#FAEBD7" colspan="3" | <center>'''Social networking sites pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
=== Archives ===
|-
{{IA Archives Intro|Decatur}}
| width="30%" | [http://geneabloggerstribe.com/blog/ GeneaBloggers]  
 
| width="70%" | enter "Iowa" in search box to see list and links to Iowa blogs
=== FamilySearch Centers ===
|-
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
| width="30" | [https://www.facebook.com/search/more/?q=iowa%20genealogy&sid=0.10269487418482515 Facebook]  
 
| width="70%" | list of groups from "Iowa Genealogy" search
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/osceola/2519-e-hwy-34 Osceola Iowa FamilySearch Center]
|-
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/mo/trenton/2930-oklahoma-avenue Trenton Missouri FamilySearch Center]
| width="30%" | [http://www.genealogy.com/forum/regional/states/topics/ia/ genealogy.com]  
 
| width="70%" | IA Genealogy Forum
=== Libraries ===
|-
{{IA Libraries Intro|Decatur}}
| width="30%" | [http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.iowa.counties.decatur/mb.ashx ancestry.com]  
 
| width="70%" | Decatur County Message Board
'''Lamoni Public Library'''<br>301 W Main Street<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>Phone: 641-784-6686<br>Email: [mailto:lamonipl@grm.net lamonipl@grm.net]<br>[https://www.lamonilibrary.org Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/lamonipl/ Facebook]<br><br>
|}
'''Leon Public Library'''<br>200 W 1st Street<br>Leon, IA 50144<br>Phone: 641-446-6332<br>Email: [mailto:john@leon.lib.ia.us john@leon.lib.ia.us]<br>[https://www.leon.lib.ia.us Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/leonlibrary/ Facebook]<br><br>
 
=== Museums ===
{{IA Museums Intro|Decatur}}
 
'''Liberty Hall'''<br>1138 W Main Street<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>Phone: 641-784-6133<br>Email: [mailto:libhall@grm.net libhall@grm.net]<br>[https://www.cofchrist.org/visit-lamoni Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/Liberty-Hall-Historic-Center-Joseph-Smith-III-Home-136048299826815/ Facebook]<br><br>
'''
 
== Societies ==
{{IA Societies Intro|Decatur}}
 
'''Decatur County Genealogical Society'''<br>Lamoni Public Library<br>301 West Main<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>Phone: 641-784-6686<br>Email: [mailto:lamonipl@grm.net lamonipl@grm.net]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/DecaturCoIA/?ref=page_internal Facebook]<br><br>
'''Decatur County Historical Society'''<br>100 Block of North Main<br>Leon, IA 50140<br>Email: [mailto:rjbixby@grm.net rjbixby@grm.net]<br>[http://iagenweb.org/decatur/Hist_Soc/Decatur_Hist_Society.html Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/460942027270339/?ref=group_cover Facebook]<br><br>
 
== Websites ==
{{IA Websites Intro|Decatur}}
 
* [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/ia/counties/Decatur/ Decatur County] at Cyndi's List - a comprehensive, categorized & cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online
* [https://genealogytrails.com/iowa/decatur Decatur County] at Genealogy Trails - volunteer transcriptions of genealogical and historical data
* [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/ Decatur County] at Iowa USGenWeb - free online resources for genealogical research
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/decatur.htm Decatur County] at Iowa USGenWeb Archives - free online data for genealogical research
* [https://iowaculture.gov/history/research/collections State Historical Society of Iowa] —  select from research collection topics
* [http://publications.iowa.gov/cgi/search/simple?q=decatur+county&_action_search=Search&_order=-byyear%2Fbytitle&basic_srchtype=ALL&_satisfyall=ALL State Library of Iowa] —  electronic depository of documents intended for the general public produced by Iowa agencies
* [http://www.iowaheritage.org/items/browse?search=decatur+county&submit_search=Search+All The Iowa Heritage Digital Collection] —  digital images from a variety of Iowa cultural institutions
*{{FSC Place IDNum|1321|Iowa|Decatur}} – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.


== Research Guides ==
=== References  ===
{{IA Research Guides Intro|Decatur}}


== References ==
<references /> {{Iowa|Iowa}}
<references />


{{Iowa|Iowa}}
[[Category:Decatur_County,_Iowa]]
[[Category:Decatur County, Iowa]][[Category:Iowa Counties]]

Revision as of 07:55, 21 July 2021

Guide to Decatur County, Iowa ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

Decatur County, Iowa
Map
Map of Iowa highlighting Decatur County
Location in the state of Iowa
Map of the U.S. highlighting Iowa
Location of Iowa in the U.S.
Facts
Founded January 13, 1846
County Seat Leon
Courthouse
Iowa, Decatur County Courthouse.png


County Information[edit | edit source]

Description[edit | edit source]

The County was named for Stephen Decatur Jr. The County has Leon as its seat and the County was created 1846. The County is located in the south central area of the state.[1]

Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates[edit | edit source]

Known Beginning Dates for Major County Records[2]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1880 1880 1880 1871 1874 1880 1847
Statewide registration started for births in July 1880 and for deaths January 1891. General compliance by 1924.

County Courthouse[edit | edit source]

Decatur County Courthouse
207 Main Street
Leon, IA 50144-1647

(515) 446-4331

History[edit | edit source]

Stephen Decatur

The county is named after U.S. naval officer Stephen Decatur (1779-1820).[3]

Parent County[edit | edit source]

1846--Decatur County was created 13 January 1846 from unorganized territory. It was attached to Davis County prior to organization 6 March 1850. 
County seat:  Leon [4]

Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]

For animated maps illustrating Iowa County boundary changes, "Rotating Formation Iowa County Boundary Maps" (1816-1872) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.

Record Loss[edit | edit source]

1874 Courthouse was destroyed by fire on March 31 and most records were lost.

For suggestions about research in places that suffered historic record losses, see:


Places/Localities[edit | edit source]

Town/city records in the FamilySearch Catalog


Populated Places[edit | edit source]

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:[5]

Cities
Unincorporated communities
Townships


Neighboring Counties[edit | edit source]

Clarke • Lucas • Ringgold • Union • Wayne • Harrison County, Missouri • Mercer County, Missouri

Resources[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries[edit | edit source]

Tombstone Transcriptions Online Tombstone Transcriptions in Print List of Cemeteries in the county
Findagrave.com Family History Library Findagrave.com
IAGenWeb WorldCat Billion Graves
IAGenWeb Archives FamilySearch Places
Tombstone Project
Iowa Gravestones
Billion Graves
See Iowa Cemeteries for more information.

Census[edit | edit source]

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1850 965 —
1860 8,677 799.2%
1870 12,018 38.5%
1880 15,336 27.6%
1890 15,643 2.0%
1900 18,115 15.8%
1910 16,347 −9.8%
1920 16,566 1.3%
1930 14,903 −10.0%
1940 14,012 −6.0%
1950 12,601 −10.1%
1960 10,539 −16.4%
1970 9,737 −7.6%
1980 9,794 0.6%
1990 8,338 −14.9%
2000 8,689 4.2%
2010 8,457 −2.7%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".

Iowa recorded not only the federal census but state census through out the years too. The state census contains very valuable genealogical information. Where the census information can be found, what years it was taken, mortality schedules, census substitutions and much more is discussed in the very informative Iowa Census article. State Census

Church[edit | edit source]

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. List of Churches and Church Parishes

LDS Ward and Branch Records

  • Garden Grove

Court[edit | edit source]

Land[edit | edit source]

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.

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Local histories are available for Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy. County histories may include biographies, church, school and government history, and military information. For more information about local histories, see the wiki page section Iowa Local Histories.


Maps[edit | edit source]

Clarke CountyLucas CountyUnion CountyRinggold CountyWayne CountyHarrison CountyMercer CountyIA DECATUR.PNG
Click a neighboring county
for more resources

Migration[edit | edit source]

Early migration routes to and from Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy for European settlers included:

Green check.png
The usage of "Mormon" and "LDS" on this page is approved according to current policy.


Military[edit | edit source]

Civil War[edit | edit source]

Regiments. Service men in Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy 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 in Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy:

- 4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company D
- 17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company A
- 48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864), Company C
- 17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company A
:- 48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864), Company C
:- 4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company D

Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]

Newspapers[edit | edit source]

 Wikipedia has more about this subject: List of online newspaper archives

NewspaperArchive.com ($) has a large collection of digitized Iowa newspapers online. This database is sometimes free at libraries.

  • Leon Journal Record. 1938 Leon, IA, USA. Online at: Ancestry.com ($)

Probate[edit | edit source]

Online Probate Indexes and 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.

Taxation[edit | edit source]

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.

Vital Records[edit | edit source]

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.

Births[edit | edit source]
Marriages[edit | edit source]
Deaths[edit | edit source]

Societies and Libraries[edit | edit source]

Decatur County Genealogical Society
Lamoni Public Library
301 West Main
Lamoni, IA 50140
Telephone:641-784-6686
E-mail: lamonipl@grm.net

Decatur County Historical Society
100 block of North Main
Leon, Iowa 50140
Website

Family History Centers[edit | edit source]

Template:Family History Centers Intro

Websites[edit | edit source]

Check back often with websites. Local societies and libraries may know of other websites.

Sites with online indexes or images of records pertaining to Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy
State Historical Society of Iowa Free Select from research collection topics
The Iowa Heritage Digital Collection Free digital images from a variety of Iowa cultural institutions - results of "decatur county" in the search box
State Library of Iowa Free electronic depository of documents intended for the general public produced by Iowa agencies - results of "decatur county" in the search box
IAGenWeb Project Free Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
USGenWeb Archives Free Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
[1] [2][3] FamilySearch Free Births, 1880-1935; Deaths 1880-1992; Marriages, 1838-1934; all indexes
Sites that search for links pertaining to Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy
RootsWeb Resources Free Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
Linkpendium Free Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
CyndisList Free Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
StateofUS.com Free family history resources and government records
Major catalogs for hard copy collections of Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy
Books, microfilm, or manuscripts of genealogical records
FamilySearch Catalog Select topics. To select towns, add a comma to the search box.
WorldCat To find nearby libraries that have specific items, see WorldCat Online Catalog.
Allen County Public Library located in Indiana They are heavily involved in digitizing.
See also local libraries and Iowa Archives and Libraries
Social networking sites pertaining to Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy
GeneaBloggers enter "Iowa" in search box to see list and links to Iowa blogs
Facebook list of groups from "Iowa Genealogy" search
genealogy.com IA Genealogy Forum
ancestry.com Decatur County Message Board

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa.
  2. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Decatur County, Iowa. Page 230-238 At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 222-225.
  3. ↑ "List of counties in Tennessee", Wikipedia.
  4. ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America,10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).
  5. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur County, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa, accessed 2 September 2019.
  6. ↑ National Park Service, "Auto Tour Route Maps" in Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail at http://www.nps.gov/mopi/planyourvisit/maps.htm (accessed 18 July 2011).
v • d• e
Links to Iowa-related articles
Topics
Counties
Adair · Adams · Allamakee · Appanoose · Audubon · Benton · Black Hawk · Boone · Bremer · Buchanan · Buena Vista · Butler · Calhoun · Carroll · Cass · Cedar · Cerro Gordo · Cherokee · Chickasaw · Clarke · Clay · Clayton · Clinton · Crawford · Dallas · Davis · Decatur · Delaware · Des Moines · Dickinson · Dubuque · Emmet · Fayette · Floyd · Franklin · Fremont · Greene · Grundy · Guthrie · Hamilton · Hancock · Hardin · Harrison · Henry · Howard · Humboldt · Ida · Iowa · Jackson · Jasper · Jefferson · Johnson · Jones · Keokuk · Kossuth · Lee · Linn · Louisa · Lucas · Lyon · Madison · Mahaska · Marion · Marshall · Mills · Mitchell · Monona · Monroe · Montgomery · Muscatine · O'Brien · Osceola · Page · Palo Alto · Plymouth · Pocahontas · Polk · Pottawattamie · Poweshiek · Ringgold · Sac · Scott · Shelby · Sioux · Story · Tama · Taylor · Union · Van Buren · Wapello · Warren · Washington · Wayne · Webster · Winnebago · Winneshiek · Woodbury · Worth · Wright
Extinct Co.
Major
 Repositories
Early Paths

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=Decatur_County,_Iowa_Genealogy&oldid=4526226"