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Winnebago County, Iowa
Genealogy, History & Facts

County Vital Records ∣ County Census Records ∣ County Courthouse and Government Records ∣
County Societies, Family History Resources and County Genealogy Links

Winnebago County, Iowa Facts

When was Winnebago County, IA Created?
Winnebago County was established on January 15, 1851 from Unorganized Territory. The county was named in honor of Winnebago Native American tribe

What is the County Seat of Winnebago County, IA?
The County Seat is located in Forest City and the county government website is http://www.winnebagocountyia.org

What counties are adjacent to Winnebago County, IA?
Bordering Counties are Faribault County, Minnesota, Freeborn County, Minnesota, Worth County, Hancock County, Kosssuth County, Cerro Gordo County.

What cities and towns are in Winnebago County, IA?
Cities and towns located in the County include Buffalo Center, Forest City, Lake Mills, Leland, Rake, Scarville, Thompson.

Winnebago County, IA Vital Records

Where can find Winnebago County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Winnebago 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 Winnebago County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Iowa Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate Application to mail.

Winnebago County, IA Census Records


What Winnebago County, IA census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Winnebago County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1860, 1870, 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Winnebago Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Winnebago Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Winnebago 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

Winnebago County, IA Courthouse and Government Records

Winnebago County Courthouse

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

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. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it’s up to the person to carry out the research. Winnebago County was attached to Boone County & Webster County for a breif time prior to organization November 1, 1857. Some early records may be found there.

  • Winnebago County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 126 S Clark St, Forest City, IA 50436
    • Phone: (641) 585-4520
  • Winnebago 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: 1890
    • Land Records: 1873
  • Winnebago 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: 1858
    • Court Records: 1900?
  • BLM Land Records

Winnebago County, IA Societies and Family History Resources

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

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

What other genealogical resources are available in Winnebago County, IA?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Winnebago 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.

Winnebago Co. IA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Winnebago Co. IA Cemeteries & Church Records

Winnebago Co. IA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Winnebago Co. IA General and History Websites

Winnebago Co. IA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Winnebago Co. IA Military Records

Winnebago Co. IA Schools & Directories

  • Iowa Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1884-1885  (search.ancestry.com) This database contains the 1884-85 Iowa gazetteer and business directory. The gazetteer covers each city, town, village, and settlement in Iowa and includes a description of each place and a directory of the people engaged in business or the professions located there.