Link To This Page — Contact Us —

Story County, Iowa

County Court, Probate, Land & Tax Records  •  County Census Records
County Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records and Death Records
County Cemeteries & Graveyards  •  County Church & Bible Records
Adair County — Adams County — Allamakee County — Appanoose County — Audubon County — Benton County — Black Hawk County — Boone County — Bremer County — Buchanan County — Buena Vista County — Butler County — Calhoun County — Carroll County — Cass County — Cedar County — Cerro Gordo County — Cherokee County — Chickasaw County — Clarke County — Clay County — Clayton County — Clinton County — Crawford County — Dallas County — Davis County — Decatur County — Delaware County — Des Moines County — Dickinson County — Dubuque County — Emmet County — Fayette County — Floyd County — Franklin County — Fremont County — Greene County — Grundy County — Guthrie County — Hamilton County — Hancock County — Hardin County — Harrison County — Henry County — Howard County — Humboldt County — Ida County — Iowa County — Jackson County — Jasper County — Jefferson County — Johnson County — Jones County — Keokuk County — Kossuth County — Lee County — Linn County — Louisa County — Lucas County — Lyon County — Madison County — Mahaska County — Marion County — Marshall County — Mills County — Mitchell County — Monona County — Monroe County — Montgomery County — Muscatine County — O'Brien County — Osceola County — Page County — Palo Alto County — Plymouth County — Pocahontas County — Polk County — Pottawattamie County — Poweshiek County — Ringgold County — Sac County — Scott County — Shelby County — Sioux County — Story County — Tama County — Taylor County — Union County — Van Buren County — Wapello County — Warren County — Washington County — Wayne County — Webster County — Winnebago County — Woodbury County — Worth County — Wright County — Winneshiek County

VEIW FULL SIZED D.O.T. COUNTY MAP

Browse Counties

Story was created on January 13, 1846 (Organized in 1853) from Unorganized Territory. The County was named for Joseph Story, a justice of the United States Supreme Court. The County Seat is Nevada. The courthouse was destroyed by fire on New Year's Day, 1864.

Counties adjacent to Story County are Hamilton County (northwest), Hardin County (northeast), Marshall County (east), Jasper County, Polk County (south), Boone County (west). Cities and Towns Include Ames, Cambridge, Collins, Colo, Gilbert, Huxley, Kelley, Maxwell, McCallsburg, Nevada, Roland, Sheldahl, Slater, Story City, Zearing.

Cheap and productive farm land attracted early settlers to the present area of Story County around 1846. In 1853 the county was formed and named after the Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story. Story County grew slower than surrounding areas and counties. This was due to the large numbers of lowlands, marshes, ponds and slough areas. These greatly hindered the development of large tracts of farmland and transportation, such as roads and the railroad. For example, early roads were sometimes nothing more than furrows created by sod-breaking teams. They were often muddy and concealed by high grasses, often making travel an adventure.

This is why the railroads played such a big part in the early development of Story County. With more than 6,700 acres of land donated to it by the county, the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad began construction in 1863. By 1864 it had passed through Nevada, reached Ames and had become the furthest western railway terminus in the United States. In the 1870s a North-South route was added to the county by the Des Moines and Minnesota Railroads, later named the Northwestern. It reached Ames in 1874 and Story City in 1877. This rail line gave birth to the towns of Gilbert, Kelly, and Sheldahl. By the end of the 1880s and the addition of two more east-west rail lines, every farmer was within six miles of markets and shipping accommodations.

The first courthouse was built in Nevada in 1856, costing around $1,500. It was a two-story frame building. Ames was also an early contender for the county seat but in June of 1859 the Iowa Agricultural College and Farm were located there, thus making Nevada’s claim to the honor more secure. The first courthouse caught fire and burned on December 31, 1863.

A second similar courthouse was built in its place. The building of a third courthouse was proposed in 1857. Designed by William Foster and constructed of locally made bricks the finished cost was $50,000. It is told that the contractor, J. B. Randall, went bankrupt because of the fine materials, rising cost of labor, and the careful craftsmanship that went into building the structure. Finished in 1877, the three-story building was situated on the town square. In the building was a tower in which school children could climb to see a panoramic view of the landscape. It was later torn down due to safety reasons.

After almost 90 years the third courthouse was declared unsafe, and a modern courthouse construction was begun. The new, Y-shaped courthouse was situated next to the old and cost an impressive $1.2 million to build in 1967. It was dedicated on May 18, 1968 and occupied and operational on August 5.

An old Civil War cannon is present on the front lawn of the Story County courthouse. The Story County cannon has been there since 1901. The cannon, the first built by A. B. Reading and Bro., Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1861, reached Story via the Rock Island Arsenal on January 29, 1901. It was shipped to Jason D. Ferguson G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic). By 1911 the G.A.R. was not too active, and it is speculated that the cannon was donated to the county before the G.A.R. expired.

Back to top

Records at the Story County Courthouse

See Also Iowa Land Records, Marriage Records, Court, Tax & Probate Records

The courthouse was destroyed by fire on New Year's Day, 1864.

All Departments below can be contacted by clicking the link below, calling or visiting the Story County Courthouse at 1315 South B Avenue ,PO Box 408, Nevada 50201; Tel: 515-382-7410. See Also Courthouse Street Addresses for current courthouse addresses for all Iowa Counties. NOTE: The record dates below are from the earliest date to present time. Story County was attached to Polk & Boone County for a breif time. Some early records may be found there.

Story County Recorder's Office has Birth Records from 1880, Marriage Records from 1854, Death Records from 1880 and Land Records from 1853.

The Recorder's Office was created in 1839 by the First Legislative Assembly. The Recorder continues to maintain official records of documents affecting title to real estate. Every real estate transaction that takes place begins in the Recorder's Office. One of the major duties of the office is the management of public records. As a result, accuracy and preservation of records are a must in the Recorder's Office. Instruments that are recorded are not only important for today, but serve as a historical library for all of the tomorrows.

In addition to real estate transactions, the Recorder's Office issues titles and liens; records veterans discharge papers; processes passport applications; accepts marriage applications and issues the subsequent license; issues certified copies of birth, death and marriage records as well as other numerous duties.

Story County Clerk of Court Office has Probate Records from 1855 and Court Records from 1865.

In each of Iowa's 99 counties, a clerk of district court office manages and maintains all trial court records, including pleadings, evidence and orders. The clerks of court have hundreds of administrative duties. They accept and process fines, fees and court costs owed to the state, child support checks, and civil judgments owed to litigants. They maintain a record of liens on all real estate in the county. Clerks help with involuntary hospitalization cases. They have the authority to dispose of scheduled violations which are not contested and do not require a court hearing. Clerks are also responsible for informing state and local government agencies of court orders.

The Iowa district court has general jurisdiction of all civil, criminal and juvenile cases and probate matters in the state. The district court, which is also known as the trial court, is the point of entry in the court system for most cases. The Iowa district court is composed of different kinds of judicial officers with varying amounts of jurisdiction-judicial magistrates, associate juvenile judges, associate probate judges, district associate judges, and district court judges.

Story County Tax Assesors Office - The Treasurer is responsible for collection of property taxes and other fees for state, county, city, school districts, community colleges, and other taxing entities such as townships, fire districts, and drainage districts.

The tax rolls for personal property and real estate were kept by the auditor or the treasurer of each county. A few of these records have been microfilmed and are available at the State Historical Society of Iowa. Original county tax rolls are usually not transferred.

Search Local County Court Records - Many court records are not digitized yet, which means the only way to obtain these records is by going to the actual courthouses. Someone from our network of court-runners will go retrieve the records and then send you the results. Average response time is 38 hours. Civil Records include Lawsuits, Bankruptcies, Liens and judgments, Marriage/divorce litigation, Child custody, Civil rights violations ands Other. Criminal Records include Violent crimes, Theft and robbery, DUI/DWI's, Drugs and alcohol, Sexual offenses, Some traffic violations, Behavioral.

Below is a list of online resources for Story County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Story County Court Records by clicking the link below:

Back to top

Story County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records

See Also Research In Vital Records or Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records in Iowa

Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, (515) 281-4944 recording, Iowa prefers you get all Vital Records from the State Office in Des Moines and NOT at the County Clerk's office. They have the following records:

  • Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates: In Iowa, official registration of births, deaths, and marriages began July 1, 1880. All original records that have been registered are on file with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. $15.00 per birth certificate & $10.00 per death certificate.
  • Divorces: Divorces on file are Brief statistical records only since 1906.

Local registrars are located in county recorders offices and maintain records of birth, death and marriages that have occurred in that county. County registrars do not have code authority to have Birth, death, and marriage records between the years 1921 to 1941.

Ordering Vital Records - You can also order

  • Order Electronically Online or You can download an application for Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Certificates to mail. Order Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records or Death Records.

    Ordering Vital Records by Mail - $15.00 per birth certificate & $10.00 per death certificate. Fees are payable by check or money order made out to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Checks must be drawn from the applicant's account; money orders must be in the name of the applicant. Fees must be paid at the time of the application. Filled requests take 30-45 days, depending on seasonal demands and mail service. Genealogy requests take least 60 days. You can download an application online for Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates or Death Certificates.

    Walk-In Service:  Walk-in service is available for in-person requests at the state vital records office between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state-observed holidays. The office is located at the address listed below, just inside the main north entrance and to the right of the main lobby. The Lucas building is the first state office building east of the state Capitol building, on the south side of Grand Avenue. Written applications must be satisfactorily completed and signed. Applicants must also provide valid, current government-issued photo identification. Copies may either be picked up after two days or mailed to an entitled person. In-person requests may also be paid in cash.

    Below is a list of online resources for Story County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Story County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

    Back to top

    Story County Census Records

    See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Records that exist for Iowa

    Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable

    Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Story County, Iowa are 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1910, 1920 and 1940.Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your Family Tree in Story County, Iowa are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880.There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms and U.K. Census Extraction Forms.

    Below is a list of online resources for Story County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Story County Census Records by clicking the link below:

    Back to top

    Story County Military Records

    See Also Research In Military Records or Military Records in Iowa

    Below is a list of online resources for Story County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Story County Military Records by clicking the link below:

    Back to top

    Story County Genealogical Addresses

    See Also Other Iowa Genealogical Addresses

    Below is a list of online resources for Story County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Story County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:

    Back to top

    Story County Cemeteries & Graveyards

    See Also Research In Cemetery Records or Cemetery Records in Iowa

    There are many churches and cemeteries in Story County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Story County Tombstone Transcription Project.

    Below is a list of online resources for Story County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Story County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:

    Back to top

    County Church & Bible Records

    See Also Research In Church Records or Church & Bible Records in Iowa

     

    Back to top

    Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

     

    Below is a list of online resources for Story County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Story County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:

    Back to top
    • Site Map | Copyright © 2011 N2Genealogy.com,