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Monona County, Iowa
Genealogy, History & Facts

Monona County, Iowa Facts

When was Monona County, IA Created?
Monona County was established on January 15, 1851 (Organized in 1854) from Pottawattomie County & Unorganized Land. The county was named for a word of uncertain Native American meaning. The word may mean “Peaceful Valley” or “Beautiful Valley.”

What is the County Seat of Monona County, IA?
The County Seat is located in Onawa and the county government website is http://www.monroecoia.us/

What counties are adjacent to Monona County, IA?
Bordering Counties are Woodbury CountyCrawford CountyHarrison CountyBurt County, Nebraska, Thurston County, Nebraska.

What cities and towns are in Monona County, IA?
Cities and towns located in the County include Blencoe, Castana, Mapleton, Moorhead, Onawa, Rodney, Soldier, Turin, Ute, Whiting.

Monona County, IA Vital Records

Where can find Monona County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Monona County vital records can be found at the Iowa Office of Vital Records which has copies of birth, marriage and death records from July 1880. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Iowa for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Monona County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Iowa Birth CertificateMarriage CertificateDeath Certificate Application to mail.

Monona County, IA Census Records


What Monona County, IA census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Monona County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

Monona Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Monona Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Monona Co. Union Veterans Schedules is available for 1890.

Another Iowa census is the Iowa State Census Collection from 1836-1925. One can find free online and printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Iowa Census Records Research Guide

Monona County, IA Courthouse and Government Records

Monona County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Monona County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Monona County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Iowa Corthouse Records Research Guide.

  • Monona County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 610 Iowa Ave, Onawa, IA 51040
    • Phone: 712) 423-2491
  • Monona County Recorder’s Office maintains 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. 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.
    • Birth / Death Records: 1880
    • Marriage Records: 1856
    • Land Records: 1858
  • Monona County Clerk of Court 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.
    • Probate Records: 1860
    • Court Records: 1861?
  • BLM Land Records

Monona County, IA Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Monona County, IA?
A list of Monona County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Iowa Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Monona County, IA Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Monona County, IA?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Monona County. Many of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a cost. This is simply a list which has been compiled or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site over another.

Monona Co. IA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Monona Co. IA Cemeteries & Church Records

Monona Co. IA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Monona Co. IA General and History Websites

Monona Co. IA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Monona Co. IA Military Records

Monona Co. IA Schools & Directories