BIRTHS IN POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY
Prior to 1880, it was not mandatory for Vital Records of Birth, as well as records of Death, to be recorded. In this respect, Pottawattamie County was no exception. When it became necessary to report these events, not everyone readily complied with the change. Therefore, records before 1900 are not always complete, and researchers should keep this in mind when searching for documents preceding this period.
In fact, Iowa’s mandatory registration law was enacted in July 1921. Prior to this date, less than 50% of the vital events were registered and the percentage decreases the further back in time the event occurred. However, Pottawattamie County appears to have surpassed many estimates and most of the early vital events appear to have been documented, in various forms.
Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society has all the birth records for the county on microfilm. If you wish to have this source checked, you MUST provide your ancestor’s name and date of birth. You mail email your request or send it via the U.S. Postal Service to:
Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 394
Council Bluffs, IA 51502-0394
You may also address your inquiries to:
The Pottawattamie County Court House
County Recorder’s Office
227 South 6th
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503