Use the Genealogy & Local History Collection

The library has an extensive collection of genealogical materials including local family histories, index to vital records (birth, marriage, death), Greene County state and federal census records, cemetery records and other items of interest.

GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCES

In the adult section of the library you will find many resources to help you begin your search for family history or fill in the missing pieces! Many of these resources have now been digitized and are available to search for free 24/7 from any Internet-accessible device or computer at home, work or school.

These resources include county-wide historical newspapers, vital records and many other materials of interest to those wishing to research Jefferson and Greene County local history.

DIGITAL ARCHIVES

Click here to see a list of all resources on the digital archives:

Click here to search the Greene County Community Digital History Archives: 

GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCES available at the Jefferson Public Library:

NEWSPAPERS

Jefferson newspapers on microfilm from 1866 to present
Grand Junction newspapers on microfilm from 1870 to 1978

Scranton newspapers on microfilm from _____ to _________
 

CENSUS

Greene County census records on microfilm from 1850 to 1930

CEMETERIES

Cemetery burials in all Greene County cemeteries

Link to Greene County cemetery map

VITAL RECORDS

Courthouse vital records including birth, death and marriage records for Greene County
 

Click here for the story of the archives and list of sponsors:   LINK + PHOTOS here

GREENE COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Volunteers assist patrons during the open hours of the GCGS genealogy reference library, which is located in the basement of the Jefferson Public Library.  Open hours are: Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, or by appointment.  January, February and March are by appointment only.

"The library enjoys a unique partnership with the Greene County Genealogical Society. Their collection is housed in the basement of the library."

The GCGS collection is extensive and is not limited to Greene County.  Their members are knowledgeable and helpful in assisting you with your research.  To contact a volunteer prior to your visit, please call the Jefferson Public Library at 515-386-2835.

Link to Greene County Genealogical Society Website:

http://www.rootsweb.com/~iagcgs/

Many family histories have been given to the GCGS reference library collection.  Look for a surname list on the Greene County Community Archive to see if your family surnames are included on the shelves of the reference library.  Click on link above.

GREENE COUNTY TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS

Greene County was incorporated in 1854 and is located in west central Iowa.  It was named for General Nathanael Greene who served with General George Washington in the Revolutionary War.  The first settler was Truman Davis.  The first courthouse was built in 1856.

Towns:  Jefferson (county seat), Churdan, Grand Junction, Paton, Rippey, Scranton

Unincorporated:  Cooper, Dana, Farlin

Abandoned:  Adaza, Angus (and others)

Townships:  Bristol, Cedar, Dawson, Franklin, Grant, Greenbrier, Hardin, Highland, Jackson, Junction, Kendrick, Paton, Scranton, Washington, Willow

Cemetery Map:  https://www.co.greene.ia.us/files/documents/document1568030359042814.pdf

Genealogy Research on the Greene County Iowa GenWeb:  http://iagenweb.org/greene/

(with links to surrounding counties) 

Click here to access The Ancestor Hunt:
 1000s of other free newspaper resources: