Iowa, Polk County, Cemetery Gravestone Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains an alphabetical listing by surname of cemetery inscriptions, giving name of deceased, birth and death dates, age, and the cemetery where buried. Records will be added if more become available.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Name
 * Birth year
 * Death date
 * Age
 * Cemetery where buried

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the information found in the record to locate the death record
 * Use the age or estimated birth date to determine an approximate birth date to find vital records such as birth, baptism, and marriage
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records
 * Use the information found in the record to find additional family members in census records
 * Search for church records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Indexes and transcriptions may not include all the data found in the original records. You may be able to get a copy from the State Historical Society of Iowa.
 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Iowa.
 * Cemeteries
 * Sexton Records
 * Iowa Guided Research
 * Iowa Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research
 * United States, Tombstone and Sexton Records

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.