Iowa, Church and Civil Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection consists of an index to selected Iowa death records, for the years 1845 to 1987.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The information in the records may contain:
 * The name of the deceased
 * The date and place of birth
 * Marital status
 * Gender
 * Race
 * The date and place of death
 * The date and place of burial

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the person
 * The approximate date of death

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?

 * Search for vital records, such as birth 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 an obituary or cemetery record

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

 * 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
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials

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

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.