Iowa, County Births - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
Index to the birth records created by the counties of Iowa. When completed it will contain records for all of the 99 counties in the state. The collection includes records from 1880 to 1935.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
The index contains the following information:


 * Name of child
 * Birth date
 * Birthplace
 * Parent's names
 * Film number
 * Digital folder number
 * Image number

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know the name of the child and other identifying information such as the birthdate and place or the parents' names.

Search the Collection
Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the ancestors in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:
 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line video at FamilySearch Search Tips.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details or lead to other records about your ancestors.

Remember this is only an index. As with any index, transcription errors may have occurred.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Check for variant spellings of the names.
 * Look for a different index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records.
 * Search the records of nearby counties.

Related Websites

 * Iowa Bith Records
 * Iowa Department of Public Health

Related Wiki Articles

 * Iowa
 * Iowa Vital Records

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"Iowa, County Births, 1880-1935" database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 7 October 2011), Claire Donald Clark, born 25 December 1929; citing County Records, FHL microfilm 1,521,274; Clayton County Courthouse, Elkader, Iowa, United States.