Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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


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


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


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


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


=== Decatur County, Iowa Record Dates  ===
{{IA Record Dates Intro|Decatur}}
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| cellspacing="1" 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), Decatur County, Iowa. Page 230-238 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 222-225.</ref></center>
| 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>
|-
|-
| 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 *]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Death|Death *]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
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| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Iowa Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
|-
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880  
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1880
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| width="14.2%" align="center" |1847
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1847
|-
|-
| colspan="7"| <center>Statewide registration started for births in July 1880 and for deaths January 1891. General compliance by 1924.</center>
| colspan="7"| <center>* Statewide registration started for births in July 1880 and for deaths January 1891. General compliance by 1924.</center>
|}
|}


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


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


=== Places/Localities  ===
=== Populated Places ===
{{IA Populated Places Intro|Decatur}}


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


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


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


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


== Resources ==
*''Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Decatur counties, Iowa : containing ... a condensed history of the state of Iowa ... prominent citizens ..''  1887. Chicago, Illinois: 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]
*Howell, J. M., Heman, C. Smith. ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people''. J. S. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, IL. 1915. 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 Vol 1], [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library Vol 2].
* [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~iabiog/decatur/decatur.html Decatur County, Iowa Biographies Project] at RootsWeb — links to biographies and local histories<br>


==== Cemeteries  ====
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
{{IA Business Records Intro|Decatur}}


{| width="80%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" border="1"
=== Cemeteries ===
{{IA Cemeteries Intro|Decatur}}
 
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;  "
|-
|-
| width="30%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" align="center" | '''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Decatur County, Iowa''' online and in print</center>
| width="30%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" align="center" | '''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print'''
| width="30%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" align="center" | '''List of Cemeteries in the county'''
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial Findagrave.com]
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | {{FHL|364895|subject-id|disp=Family History Library}}
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery-browse/USA/Iowa/Decatur-County?id=county_573 Findagrave.com]
 
|-
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Iowa&cemetery_county=Decatur&year_range=5&size=15  BillionGraves]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/cemeteryDocs/cem_index.html IAGenWeb]
*[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]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Decatur+Iowa&qt=advanced&dblist=638 WorldCat]
*[http://www.usgwtombstones.org/iowa/decatur.html IA Tombstone Transcription Project]  
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://billiongraves.com/search/cemetery Billion Graves]
* [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/cemeteryDocs/cem_index.html IAGenWeb]
|-
*[http://iowagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?cid=27 Iowa Gravestone Photo Project]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/cemetery.html IAGenWeb Archives]
* [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/cemetery.html USGenWeb Archives]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* [https://iowawpagraves.org/index.php?cid=27 WPA 1930's Graves Registration Survey]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
|-
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://www.usgwtombstones.org/iowa/decatur.html Tombstone Project]
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [http://iowagravestones.org/cemeteries.php?cid=27 Iowa Gravestones]
| 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" |
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* {{FHL|364895|subject-id|disp=Family History Library}}
* [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=su%3Acemetery+Decatur+Iowa&qt=advanced&dblist=638 WorldCat]
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" | [https://billiongraves.com/search# Billion Graves]
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" |
* [https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
* [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]
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#F0F0F0" colspan="3" | See [[Iowa Cemeteries|Iowa Cemeteries]] for more information.
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Iowa Cemeteries|Iowa Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
|}
|}
&nbsp;
=== Census Records ===
{{IA Census Intro|Decatur}}


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


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


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


{{IA Church Intro}}
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]'''
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=394060&reqParentsLabel=Decatur%2C%20Iowa%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]'''


LDS Ward and Branch&nbsp;Records  
'''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'''
LDS Ward and Branch Records
*Garden Grove
 
'''''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 ($)
 
=== Court Records ===
{{IA Court Intro|Decatur}}
 
=== Directories ===
{{IA Directories Intro|Decatur}}


*Garden Grove
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
{{IA Emigration Intro|Decatur}}
 
=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups ===
{{IA Ethnic Groups Intro|Decatur}}
 
=== Funeral Homes  ===
{{IA Funeral Homes Intro|Decatur}}
 
=== Genealogies  ===
{{IA Genealogies Intro|Decatur}}
 
=== Guardianship ===
{{IA Guardianship Intro|Decatur}}


=== Court  ===
=== Land and Property Records ===
{{IA Land Intro|Decatur}}


=== Land ===
''Online Land and Property Records''<br>


{{IA Land Intro}}  
*'''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 History}}  
*Howell, J. M., Heman, C. Smith. ''History of Decatur County, Iowa, and its people''. J. S. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, IL. 1915. 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 Vol 1], [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/415759-history-of-decatur-county-iowa-and-its-people-v-2?offset=1 FamilySearch Digital Library Vol 2], [https://archive.org/details/historyofdecatur00howe Internet archive], [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=23751 Ancestry.com] ($)
*''Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Decatur counties, Iowa : containing ... a condensed history of the state of Iowa ... prominent citizens ..''  1887. Chicago, Illinois: 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]
*''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?offset=8 FamilySearch Digital Library].
*{{FHL|30437|item|disp=Historical sketch of the old ghost town of Terre Haute, Decatur Co., Iowa}} at FamilySearch Catalog - images


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


=== Maps  ===
{{IA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{IA Decatur County}}}}
{{IA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{IA Decatur County}}}}  
*[http://www.mapofus.org/iowa/ Old Antique Atlases &amp; Maps of Iowa]  
*[http://www.mapofus.org/iowa/ Old Antique Atlases &amp; Maps of Iowa]
*[https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/view/search?sort=Pub_List_No_InitialSort%2CPub_Date%2CPub_List_No%2CSeries_No&q=decatur%2C+Iowa&search=Go David Rumsey Map Collection] is a large online collection of rare, old, antique historical atlases, globes, maps, charts plus other cartographic treasures.
*[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]:Cities and Towns- [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]


=== Migration ===
=== Migration ===
{{IA Migration Intro|Decatur}}


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


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


==== Civil War  ====
'''''Multiple Wars'''''
{{VAciv}}  
* '''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
:- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
* '''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
:- [[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
'''''Civil War'''''<br>
:- [[17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company A<br>:- [[48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C<br>:- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
* '''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 Decatur County served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (within a regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies that were specifically formed here:
:- [[4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company D
:- [[17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry|17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry]], Company A
:- [[48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)|48th Regiment, Iowa Infantry (100 days, 1864)]], Company C


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


=== Newspapers  ===
''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


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


NewspaperArchive.com ($) has a large collection of digitized [http://www.newspaperarchive.com/BrowseLocations.aspx?co=7&s=39 Iowa newspapers] online. This database is sometimes free at libraries.
* '''1938''' ''[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8392 Leon Journal Record.]'' 1938 Leon, IA, USA. Online at Ancestry ($)


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


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


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


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


=== Taxation  ===
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''1934-1958''' - {{RecordSearch|2573700|Iowa, Old Age Tax Assistance Records, 1934-1958}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index
* '''1758-1997''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9064/ Iowa, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997] at Ancestry — index and images, ($)
{{IA Tax Intro}}
*'''1871-1952'''  {{FHL|423100|item|disp=Probate records, 1871-1952; index 1864-1926}}  at FamilySearch Catalog - index & images
 
=== School Records ===
{{IA Schools Intro|Decatur}}
 
=== 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, ($)
 
=== Tax Records ===
{{IA Tax Intro|Decatur}}
 
''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|Decatur}}
 
*
 
==== Birth ====
{{IA Birth Intro|Decatur}}


=== Vital Records ===
* '''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


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


=====Marriages=====
*'''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 [http://findmypast.com/ 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 [https://www.familysearch.org/search/ FamilySearch] — index and images
* '''1880-1951''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8823/ Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1951] at Ancestry — index and images, ($)
*'''1880-1951''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8823/ Iowa, Marriage Records, 1880-1951] at Ancestry.com ($) — index and images


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


=== Societies and Libraries  ===
* '''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
* '''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, ($)
* '''1904-1951''' {{RecordSearch|2531337|Iowa, Death Records, 1904-1951}} at FamilySearch — [[Iowa, Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
* '''1920-1967''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61442/ Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967] at Ancestry — index and images, ($)


'''Decatur County Genealogical Society'''<br>Lamoni Public Library<br>301 West Main<br>Lamoni, IA 50140<br>Telephone:641-784-6686<br>E-mail: [mailto:lamonipl@grm.net lamonipl@grm.net]<br>
==== Divorce ====
{{IA Divorce Intro|Decatur}}


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


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


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


==== Websites  ====
''To locate the closest family history center or affiliate library, use the link listed above.''


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


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
'''Lamoni Public Library'''<br>301 West 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><br>
|-
'''Leon Public Library'''<br>200 West 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><br>
| width="100%" bgcolor="#ADFF85" colspan="3" | <center>'''Sites with online indexes or images of records pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
 
|-
=== Museums ===
| width="30%" | [https://iowaculture.gov/history/research/collections State Historical Society of Iowa]  
{{IA Museums Intro|Decatur}}
| width="10%" | Free
 
| width="60%" | Select from research collection topics
'''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><br>
|-
'''
| width="30%" | [http://www.iowaheritage.org/items/browse?search=decatur+county&submit_search=Search+All The Iowa Heritage Digital Collection]  
 
| width="10%" | Free
== Societies ==
| width="60%" | digital images from a variety of Iowa cultural institutions - results of "decatur county" in the search box
{{IA Societies Intro|Decatur}}
|-
| width="30%" | [http://publications.iowa.gov/cgi/search/simple?q=decatur+county&_action_search=Search&_order=-byyear%2Fbytitle&basic_srchtype=ALL&_satisfyall=ALL State Library of Iowa]
| width="20%" | Free
| width="60%" | electronic depository of documents intended for the general public produced by Iowa agencies - results of "decatur county" in the search box
|-
| width="30%" | [http://iagenweb.org/decatur/ IAGenWeb Project]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/decatur.htm USGenWeb Archives]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1821206] [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2110820][https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1805551] FamilySearch
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Births, 1880-1935; Deaths 1880-1992; Marriages, 1838-1934; all indexes
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
'''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 Historical Society'''<br>100 block of North Main<br>Leon, IA 50140<br>[http://iagenweb.org/decatur/Hist_Soc/Decatur_Hist_Society.html Website]<br><br>
| width="100%" bgcolor="#94FFFF" colspan="3" | <center>'''Sites that search for links pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
|-
| width="30%" | [http://resources.rootsweb.ancestry.com/USA/IA/Decatur/ RootsWeb Resources]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/IA/Decatur/ Linkpendium]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.cyndislist.com/us/ia/counties/decatur/ CyndisList]
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | Click links. Some sites they link to may have fees ($)
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.genealogyinc.com/iowa/decatur-county/ StateofUS.com]  
| width="10%" | Free
| width="60%" | family history resources and government records
|}


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


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1"
*  [https://iowaculture.gov/history/research/collections State Historical Society of Iowa] —  Select from research collection topics
|-
*  [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
| width="100%" bgcolor="#FAEBD7" colspan="3" | <center>'''Social networking sites pertaining to {{PAGENAME}}''' </center>
*  [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://iagenweb.org/decatur/ IAGenWeb Project] —  Data may be submitted by individuals or complete transcriptions
| width="30%" | [http://geneabloggerstribe.com/blog/ GeneaBloggers]
*  [http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/decatur/decatur.htm USGenWeb Archives] —  Data may be submitted by individuals or may be complete transcriptions
| width="70%" | enter "Iowa" in search box to see list and links to Iowa blogs
*{{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.
|-
| width="30" | [https://www.facebook.com/search/more/?q=iowa%20genealogy&sid=0.10269487418482515 Facebook]  
| width="70%" | list of groups from "Iowa Genealogy" search
|-
| width="30%" | [http://www.genealogy.com/forum/regional/states/topics/ia/ genealogy.com]  
| width="70%" | IA Genealogy Forum
|-
| width="30%" | [http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.iowa.counties.decatur/mb.ashx ancestry.com]
| width="70%" | Decatur County Message Board
|}


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


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


[[Category:Decatur_County,_Iowa]]
<references />{{Iowa|Iowa}}
[[Category:Decatur County, Iowa]][[Category:Iowa Counties]]

Revision as of 14:32, 1 October 2021

Guide to Decatur County, Iowa ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, 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[edit | edit source]

Description[edit | edit source]

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

County Courthouse[edit | edit source]

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

Decatur 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 Major 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[edit | edit source]

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

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

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:[7]

Cities
Unincorporated communities
Townships


History Timeline[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

Bible Records[edit | edit source]

Listed below are resources for Bible records specific to Decatur 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 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[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 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[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.

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

  • Garden Grove

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 and Property Records

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

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[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.

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

Migration[edit | edit source]

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

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


Military Records[edit | edit source]

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:

- 4th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company D
- 17th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company A
- 48th 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 Decatur County. For state-wide library facilities, see Iowa Archives and Libraries.

Family History Centers[edit | edit source]

Template:Family History Centers Intro

To locate the closest family history center or affiliate library, use the link listed above.

Libraries[edit | edit source]

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

Lamoni Public Library
301 West Main Street
Lamoni, IA 50140
641-784-6686
E-mail: lamonipl@grm.net
Website

Leon Public Library
200 West 1st Street
Leon, IA 50144
641-446-6332
E-mail: john@leon.lib.ia.us
Website

Museums[edit | edit source]

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

Societies[edit | edit source]

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
641-784-6686
E-mail: lamonipl@grm.net
Facebook

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

Websites[edit | edit source]

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 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); FHL 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); FHL 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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