Benton County, Iowa Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Iowa]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Benton County'''
{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Iowa, United States Genealogy|Iowa]]
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| link5=[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy|Benton County]]
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Guide to '''Benton County Iowa genealogy.''' Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.  
Guide to '''Benton County, Iowa ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records.


{{IADC}} {{Infobox U.S. County  
{| style="width:18%; float:right"
| county = Benton County  
|-
| county_map = Iowa Benton Map.png
|
| state = Iowa
<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Iowa Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
| state_map = Iowa.png
|-
| latd =  
|
| longd =  
<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
| founded year = 1837
|organized= March 1, 1846<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 on 11 April 2021.</ref>   
| founded date = December 21
|county seat= Vinton
| seat = Vinton
|parent county= [[Dubuque County, Iowa Genealogy|Dubuque]]<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 on 11 April 2021.</ref>   
| building image =  
|variant spellings=
| building address = Benton County Courthouse<br>111 E. 4th St.<br>P. O. Box 719<br>Vinton, IA 52349-1771 <br> Phone: (319) 833-3012 <br>[http://www.cobentoniaus.com/ '''Benton County Website'''] }}
|county1= [[Black Hawk County, Iowa Genealogy|Black Hawk]]
|county2= [[Buchanan County, Iowa Genealogy|Buchanan]]
|county3= [[Iowa County, Iowa Genealogy|Iowa]]
|county4= [[Johnson County, Iowa Genealogy|Johnson]]
|county5= [[Linn County, Iowa Genealogy|Linn]]
|county6= [[Poweshiek County, Iowa Genealogy|Poweshiek]]
|county7= [[Tama County, Iowa Genealogy|Tama]]</br><center>[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center>
|county8=
|county9=
|county10=
|county courthouse= [[Image:Iowa, Benton County Courthouse.png|229x229px]]
|county location in state= [[Image:Iowa Benton Map.png|185x185px]]
|adoption=
}}
|}</center>
<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div>
== County Information ==


== County Courthouse  ==
=== Description ===
Benton County was named for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hart_Benton_(politician) Thomas Hart Benton] and is located in eastern Iowa.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Benton, Iowa," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_County,_Iowa.</ref>


Benton County Courthouse<br>111 E. 4th St.<br>P. O. Box 719<br>Vinton, IA 52349-1771  
=== County Courthouse ===
{{IA Courthouse Intro|Benton}}
'''Benton County Courthouse'''<br>111 East 4th Street<br>P.O. Box 719<br>Vinton, IA 52349-1771<br>Phone: 319-472-2766<br>[https://www.bentoncountyia.gov/ Benton County Website]<br><br>


(319) 833-3012
=== Benton County, Iowa Record Dates  ===
{{IA Record Dates Intro|Benton}}
{| cellspacing="1" 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>
|-
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Probate Records|Probate]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Benton County, Iowa Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1852
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1850
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1846
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1872
| 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>
|}


[http://www.cobentoniaus.com/ Benton County]
=== Record Loss ===
{|
|-
|
'''1853''' Courthouse burned but there was no record loss.<br>
|}


== History  ==
=== Boundary Changes ===
{{IA Boundary Changes Intro|Benton}}
{|
|-
|
*'''Parent Counties:''' Created from [[Dubuque County, Iowa Genealogy|Dubuque]] County December 21, 1837.<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 on 11 April 2021.</ref>   
*'''County seat:''' Vinton<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>
*'''Organized Date:''' March 1, 1846<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 on 11 April 2021.</ref>
*[http://www.mapofus.org/Iowa/ Interactive Map of Iowa County Formation History] (1790-1897) - animated maps illustrating Iowa county boundary changes
*[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]
|}


==== Parent County  ====
=== Populated Places ===
{{IA Populated Places Intro|Benton}}


'''1837--'''Benton County was created 21 December 1837&nbsp;from [[Dubuque County, Iowa|Dubuque]] County. Benton County was attached to Jackson and Linn Counties prior to organization 1 March 1846. '''County seat:''' Vinton <ref name="Handybook">''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>  
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit
[https://iowa.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,019,c,buchanan.cfm Hometown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Benton County, Iowa," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_County,_Iowa, accessed 22 August 2019.</ref>


==== Boundary Changes  ====
{{populated places
<!--cities column------------------->
| cities-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkins,_Iowa Atkins]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Plaine,_Iowa Belle Plaine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blairstown,_Iowa Blairstown]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrison,_Iowa Garrison]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keystone,_Iowa Keystone]
</div>
| cities-col2=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luzerne,_Iowa Luzerne]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Auburn,_Iowa Mount Auburn]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newhall,_Iowa Newhall]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway,_Iowa Norway]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shellsburg,_Iowa Shellsburg]
</div>
| cities-col3=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urbana,_Iowa Urbana]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Horne,_Iowa Van Horne]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinton,_Iowa Vinton]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walford,_Iowa Walford]
</div>
<!--census column------------------->
| census-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watkins,_Iowa Watkins]
</div>
| census-col2=<div></div>
| census-col3=<div></div>
<!--townships column------------------->
| townships-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Benton]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Grove_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Big Grove]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Bruce]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canton_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Canton]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Cedar]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Eden]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldorado_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Eldorado]
</div>
| townships-col2=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Florence]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Fremont]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Harrison]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Homer]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Iowa]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Jackson]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kane_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Kane]
</div>
| townships-col3=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leroy_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Leroy]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Monroe]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Polk]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clair_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa St. Clair]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Taylor]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Township,_Benton_County,_Iowa Union]
</div>
}}


'''1853''' -- Courthouse burned and many records were damaged.
=== History Timeline ===
{{IA Historical Timeline Intro|Benton}}


For further information on researching in burned counties, see the following:
== Resources ==
{{IA Resources Intro|Benton}}


*[[Burned Counties Research|Burned Counties Research in FamilySearch Wiki]]
=== Bible Records ===
*[http://blogs.ancestry.com/circle/?p=2424 Michael John Neill, ''Burned Counties'' in Family History Circle]
{{IA Bible Intro|Benton}}
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/benton/bibles.html Benton County Bible Records] at USGenWeb Iowa Archives


== Places/Localities ==
=== Biographies ===
{{IA Biographies Intro|Benton}}


==== Populated Places ====
* ''History of Benton County, Iowa: A History of the County, its Cities, Towns, &c.''  Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1878. '''''Online at:''''' [https://archive.org/details/cu31924028913824 Internet Archive], [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t8tb1fw3r&view=1up&seq=11&skin=2021 HathiTrust], [http://iagenweb.org/benton/history/1878/1878_history_index.htm Benton GenWeb].
* ''History of Benton County, Iowa: from Materials in the Public Archives''. By Luther B. Hill. Chicago, IL: Lewis Pub., 1878.  '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/344288-history-of-benton-county-iowa-from-materials-in-the-public-archives-the-iowa-historical-society-s-collection-the-newspapers-and-data-of-personal-interviews?offset=4 FamilySearch Digital Library], [https://archive.org/details/historyofbentonc01hill/page/n5/mode/2up Internet Archive].
* ''Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa.'' Chapman Brothers. Chicago, IL: Chapman Brothers, 1887. '''''Online at:''''' [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081920237&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021 HathiTrust].
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~iabiog/benton/benton.html Benton County, Iowa Biographies Project] at RootsWeb — links to biographies and local histories


For a list of cities and townships go to [http://iowa.hometownlocator.com/ia/benton/ hometownlocator.com] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_County,_Iowa wikipedia.org.]  
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
{{IA Business Records Intro|Benton}}
* [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20287/iowa-state-employees?s=275764761 Iowa, State Employees] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)


==== Neighboring Counties  ====
=== Cemeteries ===
{{IA Cemeteries Intro|Benton}}


[[Black Hawk County, Iowa|Black Hawk]] | [[Buchanan County, Iowa|Buchanan]] | [[Iowa County, Iowa|Iowa]] | [[Johnson County, Iowa|Johnson]] | [[Linn County, Iowa|Linn]] | [[Poweshiek County, Iowa|Poweshiek]] | [[Tama County, Iowa|Tama]]  
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;  "
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Benton County, Iowa''' online and in print</center>
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Iowa&cemetery_county=Benton&year_range=5&size=15 BillionGraves]
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Benton%2C+County%2C+Iowa%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_552 Find a Grave]
* [http://www.usgwtombstones.org/iowa/benton.html IA Tombstone Transcription Project]
* [http://iagenweb.org/benton/site_map.htm IAGenWeb]
* [http://iowagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?cid=6 Iowa Gravestone Photo Project]
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/benton/cemetery.html USGenWeb Archives]
*{{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" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* {{FSC|530081|subject-id|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Benton+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" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394015&reqParentsLabel=Benton%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?cemetery-name=&cemetery-loc=Benton%2C+County%2C+Iowa%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_552 Find a Grave]
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Iowa Cemeteries|Iowa Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
|}


== Resources  ==
=== Census Records ===
{{IA Census Intro|Benton}}


==== Cemeteries  ====
{{Historical populations
|type = USA
|heading = Census
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_County,_Iowa#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]
|1850 |672
|1860 |8496
|1870 |22454
|1880 |24888
|1890 |24178
|1900 |25177
|1910 |23156
|1920 |24080
|1930 |22851
|1940 |22879
|1950 |22656
|1960 |23422
|1970 |22885
|1980 |23649
|1990 |22429
|2000 |25308
|2010 |26076
}}


==== Census ====
'''''State Census'''''<br>
* '''1885''' {{RecordSearch|1803643|Iowa State Census, 1885}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1885 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
* '''1895''' {{RecordSearch|1803957|Iowa State Census, 1895}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1895 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; 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 and images (individual cards, not family context)
* '''1915''' {{RecordSearch|2240483|Iowa State Census, 1915}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1915 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; 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 and images


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.
=== Church Records ===
{{IA Church Intro|Benton}}<br>


==== Church  ====
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''<br>
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394015&reqParentsLabel=Benton%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]'''


{{IA Church Intro}}  
'''''Lutheran'''''<br>
* '''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 — index & images ($)
*'''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 and images; selected counties, incomplete; includes, death, church, and cemetery records <br>


===== Lutheran  =====
=== Court Records ===
{{IA Court Intro|Benton}}
* '''1864-1931''' {{FSC|2519571|item|disp=Iowa, Benton County, District Court Records, 1864-1931}}(*);  Clerk of the District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — images


*Records of the American Lutheran Church, El Dorado, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at [http://www.archives.com Archives.com] ($).
* '''1934-1940''' {{FSC|2519573|item|disp=Iowa, Benton County, Widow Pension Records, 1934-1940}}(*);  Clerk of the District Court  at FamilySearch Catalog — images


==== Court  ====
=== Directories ===
{{IA Directories Intro|Benton}}
*{{FSC|320109|item|disp=Plat Book of Benton County, Iowa}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images


==== Land ====
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
{{IA Emigration Intro|Benton}}


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


==== Local Histories&nbsp; ====
=== Funeral Homes  ===
{{IA Funeral Homes Intro|Benton}}
*[https://www.hrabakfuneralhome.com/ Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service and Cremation Service] in Belle Plaine <br>
*[https://www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com/ Phillips Funeral Homes] in Blairstown, Keystone and Vinton<br>
*[https://www.vsrfh.com/ Teahen Funeral Home and Cremation Services] in Vinton<br>


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


==== Maps ====
=== Guardianship ===
[[Image:Iabenton.jpg|900px]]
{{IA Guardianship Intro|Benton}}


==== Military ====
=== Land and Property Records ===
===== Civil War  =====
{{IA Land Intro|Benton}}


{{VAciv}}  
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''1847-1885'''  {{FSC|1348|item|disp=Deeds, 1847-1885; index, 1847-1902}} at FamilySearch Catalog - 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]


:- [[5th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|5th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company G  
 
:- [[8th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|8th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D  
=== Local Histories ===
:- [[13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company G  
{{IA Histories Intro|Benton}}
:- [[16th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|16th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company I  
 
:- [[18th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|18th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company H  
* ''History of Benton County, Iowa: from Materials in the Public Archives''. By Luther B. Hill. Chicago, IL: Lewis Pub.,  1878. '''''Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/344288-history-of-benton-county-iowa-from-materials-in-the-public-archives-the-iowa-historical-society-s-collection-the-newspapers-and-data-of-personal-interviews?offset=4 FamilySearch Digital Library], [https://archive.org/details/historyofbentonc01hill/page/n5/mode/2up Internet Archive]; {{WorldCat|866025652|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}.
* ''History of Benton County, Iowa.''  Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1878. '''''Online at:''''' [https://archive.org/details/cu31924028913824 Internet Archive], [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t8tb1fw3r&view=1up&seq=11&skin=2021 HathiTrust],  [http://iagenweb.org/benton/history/1878/1878_history_index.htm Benton County IAGenWeb]; {{WorldCat|1046014621|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}.
 
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
{{IA Maps Intro|Benton}}
{{IA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{IA Benton County}}}}
* '''1860-1918''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1127/?residence=_benton-iowa-usa_284 U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918, Benton County] at Ancestry ($) - index.
* '''1875-2007''' [http://www.historicmapworks.com/Search/city.php?query=Benton+County&State=IA&x=0&y=0 Benton County 1875-2007] at Historic Map Works - may include names of land-owners.
* '''1883-1941''' [https://www.loc.gov/maps/?q=Benton+County,+Iowa&st=gallery Fire Insurance Maps for Benton County, Iowa] at Library of Congress - various years between 1883 and 1941.
* [http://iagenweb.org/benton/site_map.htm Benton County] at IAGenWeb.
* {{FSC|315693|item|disp=Atlas of Benton County, Iowa}}(*); at FamilySearch Catalog — images.
* [https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/islandora/search/Benton%20County%2C%20Iowa?type=edismax&cp=ui%3Aatlases Benton County] at Iowa Digital Library.
* {{FSC|246880|item|disp=Map of Benton County, Iowa}}(*); at FamilySearch Catalog — images.
* {{FSC|320109|item|disp=Plat Book of Benton County, Iowa}}(*); at FamilySearch Catalog — images.
* [https://www.iowaheritage.org/search?query=Benton+County%2C+Iowa+Atlases+and+Maps The Iowa Heritage Digital Collections, Benton County] at State Library of Iowa.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394015&reqParentsLabel=Benton%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|Benton}}
 
=== Military Records ===
{{IA Military Intro|Benton}}
 
'''''Multiple Wars'''''<br>
 
* '''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 and 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 and images
 
Civil War service men in Benton 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:
:- [[5th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|5th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company G
:- [[8th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|8th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
:- [[13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company G
:- [[16th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|16th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company I
:- [[18th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|18th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company H
:- [[28th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|28th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Companies A and D<br>
:- [[28th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|28th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Companies A and D<br>
:- [[47th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|47th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C
:- [[47th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|47th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C


==== Newspapers ====
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{IA Naturalization Intro|Benton}}
 
''Online Naturalization Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''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 and images
* '''1860-1929''' {{FSC|1163|item|disp=Naturalization Records, 1860-1929}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* '''1891-1902''' {{FSC|2519572|item|disp=Iowa, Benton County, Naturalization Records, 1891-1902}}(*); Clerk of the District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — images
 
=== Newspapers ===
{{IA Newspapers Intro|Benton}}


{{wikipedia|List of online newspaper archives|List of online newspaper archives}}
*'''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 ($)
*'''1866-1868''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=38298&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Belle Plaine Transcript]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1869-2008''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29968&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 The Belle Plaine Union]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1883-1886''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29969&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Independent]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1895-1896''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29970&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Lever]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1897-1906''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29967&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Every Other Daily Union]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1919-1921''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29971&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 The Belle Plaine Union and Herald]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1972-1972''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29974&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 The Bedford Times Press]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1982-2008''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29965&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 South Benton Star Press]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1988-1988''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=30017&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Fontanelle Observer]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''1993-1993''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=30018&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Preston Times]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*'''2009-2016''' ''[http://belleplaine.advantage-preservation.com/search?t=29966&i=t&d=01/01/1866-12/31/2018&bcn=1 Star Press Union]'' at Digital Archives of The Belle Plaine Community Library
*NewspaperArchive.com ($) has a large collection of digitized [https://newspaperarchive.com/browse/us/ia/ Iowa newspapers] online. This database is sometimes free at libraries.


*NewspaperArchive.com ($) has historical newspapers online including [http://www.newspaperarchive.com/BrowseLocations.aspx?cntry=7&st=39&ci=4783 Cedar Rapids newspapers] and [http://www.newspaperarchive.com/BrowseLocations.aspx?cntry=7&st=39&ci=32008 Waterloo newspapers] that may have included Benton County residents. This database is free at some libraries.
=== Obituaries ===
{{IA Obituaries Intro|Benton}}


==== Probate ====
=== Other Records ===
{{IA Other Records Intro|Benton}}


=== Periodicals ===
{{IA Periodicals Intro|Benton}}
=== Probate Records ===
{{IA Probate Intro|Benton}}
{{IA Probate Intro|Benton}}


==== Taxation ====
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1758-1997''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9064/ Iowa, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
* '''1847-1925''' {{FSC|2519574|item|disp=Iowa, Benton County, Probate Records, 1847-1925}}(*) Clerk of the District Court at FamilySearch Catalog - images
* '''1856-1910''' {{FSC|1136|item|disp=Will Records, vol. A-C, 1856-1910}}(*) District Court at FamilySearch Catalog - images
* {{FSC|1120|item|disp=Probate Records Indexes}}(*) District 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]
 
 
=== School Records ===
{{IA Schools Intro|Benton}}
 
=== Social Security Records ===
*'''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]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry — index and images ($)
*'''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
 
=== Tax Records ===
{{IA Tax Intro|Benton}}
 
''Online Tax Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''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 and images
 
=== Vital Records ===
{{IA Vital Intro|Benton}}
 
==== Birth ====
{{IA Birth Intro|Benton}}
 
* '''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 and images
* '''1880-1935''' {{RecordSearch|1821206|Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, County Births - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
* '''1921-1942''' {{RecordSearch|2849548|Iowa, Birth Records, 1921-1942}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Birth Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
 
==== Marriage ====
{{IA Marriage Intro|Benton}}
 
* '''1518-1996''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=iowa%2cia Iowa, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($)
* '''1809-1992''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30192/iowa-marriages-1809-1992?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992] at MyHeritage — index ($)
* '''1836-1926''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10206/iowa-marriages-1836-1926?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1836-1926] at MyHeritage — index ($)
* '''1838-1934''' {{RecordSearch|1805551|Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
* '''1880-1951''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8823/ Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1951] at Ancestry — index and images ($)
* '''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 ====
{{IA Death Intro|Benton}}
 
*'''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 and images; selected counties, incomplete; includes, death, church, and cemetery records <br>
* '''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]($)''
* '''1880-1992''' {{RecordSearch|2110820|Iowa, County Death Records, 1880-1992}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, County Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1900-1939''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10186/iowa-death-index-1900-1939?s=275764761 Iowa Death Index, 1900-1939] at MyHeritage — index ($)
* '''1904-1951''' {{RecordSearch|2531337|Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
* '''1920-1967''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61442/ Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
 
==== Divorce ====
{{IA Divorce Intro|Benton}}
 
* '''1906-1925''' {{FSC|487086|item|disp=Divorce Records, 1906-1925}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images
 
== Research Facilities ==
{{IA Research Facilities Intro|Benton}}
 
=== Archives ===
{{IA Archives Intro|Benton}}
 
=== FamilySearch Centers ===
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}


{{IA Tax Intro}}
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/belle-plaine/1514-1st-avenue Belle Plaine Iowa FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/cedar-falls/3006-pleasant-drive Cedar Falls/Waterloo Iowa FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/cedar-rapids/4300-trailridge-road-southeast Cedar Rapids Iowa FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/iowa-city/2730-bradford-drive Iowa City Iowa FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/marshalltown/703-south-12th-street Marshalltown Iowa FamilySearch Center]
*[https://blackiowa.org// African American Museum Of Iowa] - an affiliate library


==== Vital Records  ====
=== Libraries ===
{{IA Libraries Intro|Benton}}


{{IA Vital Intro}}
'''Vinton Public Library'''<br>510 2nd Avenue<br>Vinton, IA 52349<br>Phone: 319-472-4208<br>Email: [mailto:vintonpl@vintonlibrary.com vintonpl@vintonlibrary.com]<br>[http://www.vintonlibrary.com Website]<br><br>
'''Blairstown Public Library'''<br>305 Locust St NW<br>PO Box 187<br>Blairstown, IA 52209<br>Phone: 319-454-6497<br>[http://www.blairstownpubliclibrary.com Website]<br><br>
'''Norway Iowa Public Library'''<br>108 Railroad St<br>Norway, IA 52318<br>Phone: 319-227-7487<br>[https://www.facebook.com/norwayialibrary Facebook]<br><br>


== Societies and Libraries  ==
=== Museums ===
{{IA Museums Intro|Benton}}


==== Family History Centers  ====
'''Belle Plaine Area Museum'''<br> 901 Main St<br>Belle Plaine, IA 52208<br>Phone: 319-434-6093<br>[https://bpiowahistory.com Website]<br><br>


*{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
== Societies ==
{{IA Societies Intro|Benton}}


*[[Belle Plaine Iowa Family History Center]] 1st Ave & 16th Belle Plaine IA 52208 United States [https://www.google.com/maps/preview#!q=1st+Ave+%26+16th+Belle+Plaine+IA+52208&data=!4m15!2m14!1m13!1s0x87e577e3e7a00d8d%3A0xe5189303ea7682e3!3m8!1m3!1d3468!2d-94.9456247!3d41.4031545!3m2!1i1350!2i890!4f13.1!4m2!3d41.9007341!4d-92.2880982 Location Map]
'''Benton County Historical Society'''<br>P.O. Box 22<br>Vinton, IA 52349<br>Phone: 319-472-4325<br>Email: [mailto:bentoncohistorical@gmail.com bentoncohistorical@gmail.com]<br>[http://iagenweb.org/benton/bchs/bchs.htm Website]<br><br>


== Web Sites  ==
== Websites ==
{{IA Websites Intro|Benton}}


*{{FHL|Iowa%2C+Benton|subject|disp=Family History Library Catalog}}
* [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/ia/counties/Benton/ Benton County] at Cyndi's List - a comprehensive, categorized & cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online
*[http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/IA/Benton/ Benton County, Iowa Genealogy and Family History] (Linkpendium)
* [https://genealogytrails.com/iowa/benton Benton County] at Genealogy Trails - volunteer transcriptions of genealogical and historical data
* [http://iagenweb.org/benton/ Benton County] at Iowa USGenWeb - free online resources for genealogical research
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/benton/benton.htm Benton 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=benton+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=benton+county&submit_search=Search+All The Iowa Heritage Digital Collection] —  digital images from a variety of Iowa cultural institutions
*{{FSC Place IDNum|1300|Iowa|Benton}} – 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.


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


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


[[Category:Benton_County,_Iowa]]
{{Iowa|Iowa}}
[[Category:Benton County, Iowa]][[Category:Iowa Counties]]

Latest revision as of 16:37, 1 May 2024

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

County Facts
County seat: Vinton
Organized: March 1, 1846[1]
Parent County(s): Dubuque[2]
Neighboring Counties
Black Hawk • Buchanan • Iowa • Johnson • Linn • Poweshiek • Tama
See County Maps
Courthouse
Iowa, Benton County Courthouse.png
Location Map
Iowa Benton Map.png

County Information[edit | edit source]

Description[edit | edit source]

Benton County was named for Thomas Hart Benton and is located in eastern Iowa.[3]

County Courthouse[edit | edit source]

Benton County Courthouse
111 East 4th Street
P.O. Box 719
Vinton, IA 52349-1771
Phone: 319-472-2766
Benton County Website

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

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.

Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records[4]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1880 1852 1880 1850 1846 1872 1847
* Statewide registration started for births in July 1880 and for deaths January 1891. General compliance by 1924.

Record Loss[edit | edit source]

1853 Courthouse burned but there was no record loss.

Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]

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:[8]

Cities
Census-designated places
Townships


History Timeline[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

Bible Records[edit | edit source]

Listed below are resources for Bible records specific to Benton County. To find more resources, go to the Iowa Bible Records page.


Biographies[edit | edit source]

Business, Commerce, and Occupations[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries of Benton County, Iowa online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online
Tombstone Transcriptions in Print (Often more complete)
List of Cemeteries in the County
See Iowa Cemeteries for more information.

Census Records[edit | edit source]

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 672 —
1860 8,496 1164.3%
1870 22,454 164.3%
1880 24,888 10.8%
1890 24,178 −2.9%
1900 25,177 4.1%
1910 23,156 −8.0%
1920 24,080 4.0%
1930 22,851 −5.1%
1940 22,879 0.1%
1950 22,656 −1.0%
1960 23,422 3.4%
1970 22,885 −2.3%
1980 23,649 3.3%
1990 22,429 −5.2%
2000 25,308 12.8%
2010 26,076 3.0%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".

State Census

Church Records[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

Lutheran

Court Records[edit | edit source]

Directories[edit | edit source]

Emigration and Immigration[edit | edit source]

Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups[edit | edit source]

Funeral Homes[edit | edit source]

Genealogies[edit | edit source]

Guardianship[edit | edit source]

Land and Property Records[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.

Online Land Indexes and Records


Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Local histories are available for Benton County, which may include biographies, church, school and government history, and military information. For more information about local histories, see Iowa Local Histories.

Maps and Gazetteers[edit | edit source]

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.

Black Hawk CountyBuchanan CountyLinn CountyJohnson CountyIowa CountyPoweshiek CountyTama CountyIA BENTON.PNG
Click a neighboring county
for more resources

Migration[edit | edit source]

Military Records[edit | edit source]

Multiple Wars

Civil War

Civil War service men in Benton 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:

- 5th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company G
- 8th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company D
- 13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company G
- 16th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company I
- 18th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company H
- 28th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Companies A and D
- 47th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864), Company C

Naturalization and Citizenship[edit | edit source]

Please see the Iowa Naturalization and Citizenship page for state-wide information.

Online Naturalization Indexes and Records

Newspapers[edit | edit source]

Obituaries[edit | edit source]

Other Records[edit | edit source]

Periodicals[edit | edit source]

Probate Records[edit | edit source]

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


School Records[edit | edit source]

Social Security Records[edit | edit source]

Tax Records[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.

Online Tax Indexes and Records

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.

Birth[edit | edit source]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Death[edit | edit source]

Divorce[edit | edit source]

Research Facilities[edit | edit source]

Archives[edit | edit source]

Listed below are archives in Benton County. For state-wide library facilities, see Iowa Archives and Libraries.

FamilySearch Centers[edit | edit source]

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

Libraries[edit | edit source]

Listed below are libraries in Benton County. For state-wide library facilities, see Iowa Archives and Libraries.

Vinton Public Library
510 2nd Avenue
Vinton, IA 52349
Phone: 319-472-4208
Email: vintonpl@vintonlibrary.com
Website

Blairstown Public Library
305 Locust St NW
PO Box 187
Blairstown, IA 52209
Phone: 319-454-6497
Website

Norway Iowa Public Library
108 Railroad St
Norway, IA 52318
Phone: 319-227-7487
Facebook

Museums[edit | edit source]

Belle Plaine Area Museum
901 Main St
Belle Plaine, IA 52208
Phone: 319-434-6093
Website

Societies[edit | edit source]

Listed below are societies in Benton County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see Iowa Societies.

Benton County Historical Society
P.O. Box 22
Vinton, IA 52349
Phone: 319-472-4325
Email: bentoncohistorical@gmail.com
Website

Websites[edit | edit source]

  • Benton County at Cyndi's List - a comprehensive, categorized & cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online
  • Benton County at Genealogy Trails - volunteer transcriptions of genealogical and historical data
  • Benton County at Iowa USGenWeb - free online resources for genealogical research
  • Benton County at Iowa USGenWeb Archives - free online data for genealogical research
  • 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
  • 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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Iowa Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed on 11 April 2021.
  2. ↑ Iowa Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed on 11 April 2021.
  3. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Benton, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_County,_Iowa.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ Iowa Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed on 11 April 2021.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ Iowa Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed on 11 April 2021.
  8. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Benton County, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benton_County,_Iowa, accessed 22 August 2019.
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This table contains the dates the local or state government began recording in the county or county equivalent. Use substitute records for earlier dates. If you believe there is an error, email us at wikisupport@familysearch.org.

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