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Tama 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
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Tama was created on February 17, 1843 (Organized in 1853) from Benton County. The County was named for any of several Native American chiefs or chief's wives, over which there is dispute. The County Seat is Toledo.

Counties adjacent to Tama County are Grundy County (northwest), Black Hawk County (northeast), Benton County (east), Poweshiek County (south), Marshall County (west), Iowa County. Cities and Towns Include Chelsea, Clutier, Dysart, Elberon, Garwin, Gladbrook, Lincoln, Montour, Tama, Toledo, Traer, Vining. Townships Include Buckingham, Carlton, Carroll, Clark, Columbia, Crystal, Geneseo, Grant, Highland, Howard, Indian Village, Lincoln, Oneida, Otter Creek, Perry, Richland, Salt Creek, Spring Creek, Tama, Toledo, York.

The origin of the naming of Tama County is somewhat disputed. Some authorities say the name comes from Taimah, a Fox Indian Chief. Others say it comes from Taomah, wife of Poweshiek--another Fox Indian Tribe Chief. Still others say the county is named after the Indian Chief Potama or Pottama.

The county was established in 1847 and originated in 1853. In the fall of 1853 various locations were being considered for a county seat. The county officials decided on the present county seat, Toledo. The first courthouse was completed in 1854 at a cost of $1,300. The two-story frame building was constructed by T. A. Graham. In 1866 this building was abandoned and sold.

At this time (1867) the county began its second courthouse. The building, which is still standing in Toledo, is constructed of brick on a stone foundation. The total cost of the building was $22,000, $5,000 of which was paid by the Toledo Court House Association. The three-day centennial celebration in 1946 was heralded as the largest in central Iowa. During this centennial year, James Poweshiek, the great-grandson of Chief Poweshiek, the original chief of the Sac and Fox Tribe, celebrated his 92nd birthday. He was at that time the oldest life-long resident of Tama County and the oldest Indian in Iowa.

There have been numerous attempts to replace the 100-year-old courthouse, but all have failed. In 1978, the courthouse's red brick exterior was sandblasted, the interior remodeled and the plumbing and wiring were replaced. Additional remodeling began in 2000 after moving the offices of Assessor, Auditor, Recorder, Supervisors and Treasurer into a new County Administration Building just north of the courthouse. The remodeled courthouse is now home to all court services including the County Attorney and juvenile probation offices.

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Records at the Tama County Courthouse

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

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information.

All Departments below can be contacted by clicking the link below, calling or visiting the Tama County Courthouse at 100 West High Street,PO Box 306, Toledo 52342; Tel: 641-484-3721. 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. Tama County was attached to Linn County for a breif time. Some early records may be found there.

Tama County Recorder's Office has Birth Records from 1880, Marriage Records from 1853, 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.

Tama County Clerk of Court Office has Probate Records from 1854 and Court Records from 1850.

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.

Tama 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 Tama County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Tama County Court Records by clicking the link below:

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Tama 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 Tama County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Tama County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

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    Tama 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 Tama County, Iowa are 1840, 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 Tama 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 Tama County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Tama County Census Records by clicking the link below:

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    Tama County Military Records

    See Also Research In Military Records or Military Records in Iowa

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

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    Tama County Genealogical Addresses

    See Also Other Iowa Genealogical Addresses

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

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    Tama County Cemeteries & Graveyards

    See Also Research In Cemetery Records or Cemetery Records in Iowa

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

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

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    County Church & Bible Records

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

     

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    Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

     

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

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