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Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
{{Locality
|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]]
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}}
}}


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


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=== Description ===
=== Description ===
Decatur County was named for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Decatur Stephen Decatur Jr] and is located in southeastern Iowa.<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 ===
=== County Courthouse ===
{{IA Courthouse Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Courthouse Intro|Decatur}}
'''Decatur County Courthouse'''<br>207 N Main Street<br>Leon, IA 50144-1647<br>
'''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>
Phone: 515-446-4331<br>[https://decaturcountyiowa.gov/ Decatur County Website]<br><br>


=== Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates  ===
=== Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates  ===
{{IA Record Dates Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Record Dates Intro|Decatur}}
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| 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), Iowa.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref></center>
| 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" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
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*'''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>''
*'''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)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</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>
*[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 Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
*[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
*[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
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{{IA Biographies Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Biographies Intro|Decatur}}


*''Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa: Containing ... a Condensed History of the State of Iowa ... Prominent Citizens.''  1887. Chicago, IL: Lewis Publishing Co. '''''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://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=iau.31858034606883&view=1up&seq=9&skin=2021 Hathitrust] — index and images; [https://www.google.com/books/edition/Biographical_and_Historical_Record_of_Ri/pElNAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=decatur+county+iowa&printsec=frontcover Google Books].
*''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].
 
* ''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] ($).
* ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people''. 1915. J.M. Howell and C Smith Heman. Chicago, IL: J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. '''''Vol I Online at:'''''  [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/584039-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-1?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081919569&view=1up&seq=13&skin=2021 Hathitrust] — index and images;  '''''Vol II Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081919577&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021 Hathitrust] — index and images; '''''Vol I and II Online at:''''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/23751/ Ancestry] — index and images ($).
 
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~iabiog/decatur/decatur.html Decatur County, Iowa Biographies Project] at RootsWeb — links to biographies and local histories<br>
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~iabiog/decatur/decatur.html Decatur County, Iowa Biographies Project] at RootsWeb — links to biographies and local histories<br>


=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
{{IA Business Records Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Business Records Intro|Decatur}}
* [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20287/iowa-state-employees?s=275764761 Iowa, State Employees] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)


=== Cemeteries ===
=== Cemeteries ===
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*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Iowa&cemetery_county=Decatur&year_range=5&size=15  BillionGraves]
*[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]
*[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://www.usgwtombstones.org/iowa/decatur.html IA Tombstone Transcription Project]  
* [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/cemeteryDocs/cem_index.html IAGenWeb]
* [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/cemeteryDocs/cem_index.html IAGenWeb]
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* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/cemetery.html USGenWeb Archives]
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/cemetery.html USGenWeb Archives]
* [https://iowawpagraves.org/index.php?cid=27 WPA 1930's Graves Registration Survey]
* [https://iowawpagraves.org/index.php?cid=27 WPA 1930's Graves Registration Survey]
*{{RecordSearch|2366613|Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths (cemetery records)}}, incomplete
|-
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| 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>
| 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" |
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* {{FHL|364895|subject-id|disp=Family History Library}}
* {{FSC|United States, Iowa, Decatur - Cemeteries|subject|subject-id=29080312|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Decatur+Iowa&qt=advanced&dblist=638 WorldCat]
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Decatur+Iowa&qt=advanced&dblist=638 WorldCat]
|-
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* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
* [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]
* [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>
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Iowa Cemeteries|Iowa Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
|}
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&nbsp;


=== Census Records ===
=== Census Records ===
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'''''State Census'''''<br>
'''''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
* '''1885''' {{RecordSearch|1803643|Iowa State Census, 1885}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1885 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & 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
* '''1895''' {{RecordSearch|1803957|Iowa State Census, 1895}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1895 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & 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)
* '''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)
* '''1915''' {{RecordSearch|2240483|Iowa State Census, 1915}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1915 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; 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
* '''1925''' {{RecordSearch|2224537|Iowa State Census, 1925}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa State Census, 1925 - 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 & images


=== Church Records ===
=== Church Records ===
{{IA Church Intro|Decatur}}
{{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>
*'''[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]'''


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{{IA Court Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Court Intro|Decatur}}


* '''1871-1922''' {{FHL|414497|item|disp=Court Records, 1874-1920; Index, 1871-1922}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index and images
* '''1871-1922''' {{FSC|414497|item|disp=Court Records, 1874-1920; Index, 1871-1922}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1873-1886''' {{FHL|414442|item|disp=Circuit Court General Index, 1873-1886 : Complete Record, vol. 1, 1874-1886}}(*); Circuit Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index and 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''' {{FHL|553943|item|disp=Miscellaneous Records, 1886-1902; Index, 1873-1904}}(*); County Recorder at FamilySearch Catalog — index and images
* '''1886-1904''' {{FSC|553943|item|disp=Miscellaneous Records, 1886-1902; Index, 1873-1904}}(*); County Recorder at FamilySearch Catalog — index & images
* '''1893-1903''' {{FHL|414434|item|disp=Insane Record, vol. 2, 1893-1903}}(*); District Court  at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* '''1893-1903''' {{FSC|414434|item|disp=Insane Record, vol. 2, 1893-1903}}(*); District Court  at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* '''1925-1976''' {{FHL|414422|item|disp=Lien Index, 1925-1976 : Index to Pigeon Holes & Flat Files}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog — index and 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 ===
=== Directories ===
{{IA Directories Intro|Decatur}}
{{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  ===
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
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{{IA Funeral Homes Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Funeral Homes Intro|Decatur}}


*[https://www.imortuary.com/funeral-homes/iowa/chariton/fielding-funeral-homes/ Fielding Funeral Homes] in Chariton<br>
*[https://www.funeralfinder.com/funeral-homes/greenlee-middleton-funeral-home/12463/ Greenlee-Middleton Funeral Home] in Lineville<br>
*[https://www.imortuary.com/funeral-homes/iowa/osceola.php Mosher Funeral Home] in Milo<br>
*[https://www.imortuary.com/funeral-homes/iowa/lacona/pierschbacher-funeral-home/ Pierschbacher Funeral Home] in Chariton<br>
*[https://www.sladefuneralhome.com/ Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home] in Lamoni<br>
*[https://www.sladefuneralhome.com/ Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home] in Leon<br>
*[https://www.sladefuneralhome.com/ Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home] in Leon<br>


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{{IA Land Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Land Intro|Decatur}}


''Online Land and Property Records''<br>
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''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]


*'''1856-1866'''  {{FHL|405522|item|disp=Copies of original entries, 1856-1866}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - images
*'''1872-1945'''  {{FHL|414414|item|disp=Deeds and mortgages, 1872-1945; indexes, 1873-1901}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index and images
*'''1881-1874'''  {{FHL|405532|item|disp=Abstract of conveyances by the state of Iowa of lands in Decatur County vol. 1, 1851-1874}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index and images
*'''1886-1902'''  {{FHL|553943|item|disp=Miscellaneous records, 1886-1902; index, 1873-1904}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index and images


=== Local Histories ===
=== Local Histories ===
{{IA Histories Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Histories Intro|Decatur}}


* ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people''. 1915. J.M. Howell and C Smith Heman. Chicago, IL: J. S. Clarke Publishing Co. '''''Vol I Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/584039-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-1?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081919569&view=1up&seq=13&skin=2021 Hathitrust] — index and images; '''''Vol II Online at:''''' [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library]; [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081919577&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021 Hathitrust] — index and images; '''''Vol I and II Online at:''''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/23751/ Ancestry] — index and images ($).
*''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)}}.
 
* ''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] ($).
*''Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa: Containing ... a Condensed History of the State of Iowa ... Prominent Citizens.''  1887. Chicago, IL: Lewis Publishing Co. '''''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://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=iau.31858034606883&view=1up&seq=9&skin=2021 Hathitrust] — index and images; [https://www.google.com/books/edition/Biographical_and_Historical_Record_of_Ri/pElNAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=decatur+county+iowa&printsec=frontcover Google Books].
 
*{{FHL|30437|item|disp=Historical sketch of the old ghost town of Terre Haute, Decatur Co., Iowa}} at FamilySearch Catalog - images (click camera to view)


=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
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* '''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.
* '''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.
* '''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=202028&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Iowa%2C%20Decatur%22 Decatur County Maps] at FamilySearch Catalog.
* [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].
* 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://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.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]:Cities and Towns- [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]].
*[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 ===
=== Migration ===
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'''''Multiple Wars'''''
'''''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
* '''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
* '''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>
'''''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
* '''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:
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
{{Block indent|- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D}}
:- [[17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company A
{{Block indent|- [[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
{{Block indent|- [[48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C}}


=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
Line 339: Line 343:


''Online Naturalization Indexes and Records''<br>
''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
* '''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''' {{FHL|490055|item|disp=Naturalization Records, 1876-1928}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog —index, images
* '''1876-1928''' {{FSC|490055|item|disp=Naturalization Records, 1876-1928}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog —index, images
* '''1930-1936''' {{FHL|712491|item|disp=Naturalization Related Records, 1930-1936}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog —images
* '''1930-1936''' {{FSC|712491|item|disp=Naturalization Related Records, 1930-1936}}(*); District Court at FamilySearch Catalog —images


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


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''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
''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 ($)
* '''1758-1997''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9064/ Iowa, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1871-1952'''  {{FHL|423100|item|disp=Probate Records, 1871-1952; Index 1864-1926}}(*); Probate Court at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
*'''1871-1952'''  {{FSC|423100|item|disp=Probate Records, 1871-1952; Index 1864-1926}}(*); Probate Court at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
* {{FHL|121014|item|disp=General Index to Probate Records, No. 1}}(*); Probate Court at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
* {{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]
 


=== School Records ===
=== School Records ===
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=== Social Security Records ===
=== 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]].
*'''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, ($)
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''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 ===
=== Tax Records ===
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* '''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].
* '''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 and images
* '''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


=== Vital Records ===
=== Vital Records ===
{{IA Vital Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Vital Intro|Decatur}}
*


==== Birth ====
==== Birth ====
{{IA Birth Intro|Decatur}}
{{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 and images
* '''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
* '''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
* '''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 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 & 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 ====
==== Marriage ====
{{IA Marriage Intro|Decatur}}
{{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 ($)
*'''1518-1996''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=iowa%2cia Iowa, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($)
*'''1809-1992''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30192/iowa-marriages-1809-1992?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992] at MyHeritage — index, ($)
*'''1809-1992''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30192/iowa-marriages-1809-1992?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1809-1992] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1836-1926''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10206/iowa-marriages-1836-1926?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926] at MyHeritage — index, ($)
*'''1836-1926''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10206/iowa-marriages-1836-1926?s=275764761 Iowa, Marriages, 1836 - 1926] at MyHeritage — index ($)
* '''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
*'''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 and 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 ====
==== Death ====
{{IA Death Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Death 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>
* '''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]($)''
* '''1850-1990''' {{RecordSearch|1674841|Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and some images; ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30191/iowa-deaths-burials-1850-1990?s=275764761 MyHeritage]($)''
* '''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
* '''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
*'''1900-1939''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10186/iowa-death-index-1900-1939?s=275764761 Iowa Death Index, 1900-1939] at MyHeritage — index, ($)
*'''1888-1904''' {{RecordSearch|5000144|Iowa, Death Records, 1888-1904}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images, coverage may vary
* '''1904-1951''' {{RecordSearch|2531337|Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1900-1939''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10186/iowa-death-index-1900-1939?s=275764761 Iowa Death Index, 1900-1939] at MyHeritage — index ($)
* '''1920-1967''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61442/ Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967] at Ancestry — index and images, ($)
* '''1904-1951''' {{RecordSearch|2531337|Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
* '''1920-1967''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61442/ Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


==== Divorce ====
==== Divorce ====
{{IA Divorce Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Divorce Intro|Decatur}}
* '''1891-1991''' {{FHL|489969|item|disp=Divorce Records, v. 1, 1891-1991}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images
* '''1891-1991''' {{FSC|489969|item|disp=Divorce Records, v. 1, 1891-1991}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog — images


== Research Facilities ==
== Research Facilities ==
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{{IA Archives Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Archives Intro|Decatur}}


=== Family History Centers ===
=== FamilySearch Centers ===
{{Family History Centers Intro}}
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}


:*[[Indianola Iowa Family History Center]]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ia/osceola/2519-e-hwy-34 Osceola Iowa FamilySearch Center]
:*[[Oskaloosa Iowa Family History Center]]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/mo/trenton/2930-oklahoma-avenue Trenton Missouri FamilySearch Center]
:*[[Osceola Iowa Family History Center]]
:*[[Red Rock Iowa Family History Center]]


=== Libraries ===
=== Libraries ===
{{IA Libraries Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Libraries Intro|Decatur}}


'''Lamoni Public Library'''<br>301 W Main Street<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>641-784-6686<br>E-mail: [mailto:lamonipl@grm.net lamonipl@grm.net]<br>[https://www.lamonilibrary.org Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/lamonipl/ Facebook]<br><br>
'''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>641-446-6332<br>E-mail: [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>
'''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 ===
=== Museums ===
{{IA Museums Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Museums Intro|Decatur}}


'''Liberty Hall'''<br>1138 W Main Street<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>641-784-6133<br>E-mail: [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>
'''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>
'''
'''


Line 443: Line 451:
{{IA Societies Intro|Decatur}}
{{IA Societies Intro|Decatur}}


'''Decatur County Genealogical Society'''<br>Lamoni Public Library<br>301 West Main<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>641-784-6686<br>E-mail: [mailto:lamonipl@grm.net lamonipl@grm.net]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/DecaturCoIA/?ref=page_internal Facebook]<br><br>
'''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>
'''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>


Line 456: Line 464:
* [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://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
* [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
*{{FHL Place IDNum|202028|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.
*{{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 ==
== Research Guides ==

Latest revision as of 09:56, 19 August 2025


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

County Facts
County seat: Leon
Organized: May 8 1850[1]
Parent County(s): Unorganized territory[2]
Neighboring Counties
Clarke • Lucas • Ringgold • Union • Wayne • Harrison (MO) • Mercer (MO)
See County Maps
Courthouse
Iowa, Decatur County Courthouse.png
Location Map
Iowa Decatur Map.png
Stephen Decatur

County Information

Description

Decatur County was named for Stephen Decatur Jr and is located in southern Iowa.[3]

County Courthouse

Decatur County Courthouse
207 N Main Street
Leon, IA 50144-1647
Phone: 515-446-4331
Decatur County Website

Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates

Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.

Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records[4]
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.

Record Loss

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:

Boundary Changes

  • 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.[5]
  • County seat: Leon[6]
  • Iowa Individual County Chronologies - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
  • Iowa Historical Borders - Map at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; Also at: mapofus.org - animated maps illustrating Iowa county boundary changes

Populated Places

For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[7]

Cities
Unincorporated communities
Townships


History Timeline

Resources

Bible Records

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


Biographies

Business, Commerce, and Occupations

Cemeteries

Cemeteries of Decatur 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

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 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".

State Census

Church Records

Most church records are held by individual churches. Some denominations are gathering their records into a central repository. For more information about these major repositories, see Iowa Church Records.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS Ward and Branch Records

  • Garden Grove

Lutheran

Court Records

Directories

Emigration and Immigration

Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups

Funeral Homes

Genealogies

Guardianship

Land and Property Records

Land and property records can place an ancestor in a particular location, provide economic information, and reveal family relationships. They include: deeds, abstracts and indexes, mortgages, leases, grants and land patents.

See Iowa Land and Property for information about early Iowa land grants. After land was transferred to private ownership, transactions were usually recorded and housed at the county courthouse.

Online Land Indexes and Records


Local Histories

Local histories are available for Decatur 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

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.

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

Migration

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

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


Military Records

Multiple Wars

Civil War

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:

Naturalization and Citizenship

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

Online Naturalization Indexes and Records

Newspapers

Obituaries

Other Records

Periodicals

Probate Records

In most counties in Iowa, probate records have been kept by the county judge. They include wills, fee books, claim registers, legacy records, inheritance records, probate ticklers, and dockets. The records are available at the county courthouse.

Online Probate Indexes and Records


School Records

Social Security Records

Tax Records

Iowa tax records complement land records and can supplement the years between censuses. Iowa's unique Old Age Assistance tax gives names, addresses and birth years. There may be gaps of several years. For more information, see the wiki page Iowa Taxation.

Online Tax Indexes and Records

Vital Records

Vital Records consist of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths recorded by civil officials on registers, certificates, and other documents. Copies or extracts may be purchased from the Iowa Department of Public Health or the County Clerk's office. See also Iowa Vital Records.

Birth

Marriage

Death

Divorce

Research Facilities

Archives

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

FamilySearch Centers

FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries

  • FamilySearch Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
  • FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a FamilySearch center.

Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries

Libraries

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

Lamoni Public Library
301 W Main Street
Lamoni, IA 50140
Phone: 641-784-6686
Email: lamonipl@grm.net
Website
Facebook

Leon Public Library
200 W 1st Street
Leon, IA 50144
Phone: 641-446-6332
Email: john@leon.lib.ia.us
Website
Facebook

Museums

Liberty Hall
1138 W Main Street
Lamoni, IA 50140
Phone: 641-784-6133
Email: libhall@grm.net
Website
Facebook

Societies

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

Decatur County Genealogical Society
Lamoni Public Library
301 West Main
Lamoni, IA 50140
Phone: 641-784-6686
Email: lamonipl@grm.net
Facebook

Decatur County Historical Society
100 Block of North Main
Leon, IA 50140
Email: rjbixby@grm.net
Website
Facebook

Websites

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

References

  1. ↑ Iowa Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed 23 July 2021.
  2. ↑ Iowa Historical Boundary Changes - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library; accessed 23 July 2021.
  3. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_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 25 July 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. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur County, Iowa," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Iowa, accessed 2 September 2019.
  8. ↑ 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).
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