Iowa County History and Genealogy Books Online

1878-1879 Rand McNally Iowa Map

These are free books online where you can research your Iowa ancestry. This list contains county and local history, genealogical and biographical books, as well as atlases and farm plats.

Iowa Atlases, Farm Directories, and Plat Books

1859 Map of Washington County Iowa

This collection contains digital atlases, farm directories, and plat books for all 99 Iowa counties. We have collated these from a variety of online sources, and provide them here as a single source for all online Iowa County Atlases, Farm Directories, and Plat Books.

Biography of John J. Fowles

John J. Fowles, born January 3, 1884, in Eldora, Iowa, has been a dedicated educator in Kansas since 1908, currently serving as superintendent of Summerfield schools. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell College after initially working as a high school principal in various towns. Coming from a Colonial American family with deep roots in Iowa, Fowles is a member of several educational and community organizations and is married with two children. His family background reflects a legacy of farming and community involvement.

Biography of Newell Jonathan Brown, M. D.

Dr. Newell Jonathan Brown, born March 10, 1854, in Stanstead, Canada, has been a prominent family physician in Hailey since 1883. A graduate of McGill University and Dartmouth College, he initially practiced in Iowa before relocating for health reasons. Renowned for his dedication to the community, he has significantly contributed to local welfare and holds mining interests. Active in several medical and fraternal organizations, Dr. Brown is well-respected and has a strong social presence, supported by his wife, Celia, and their four sons.

Biography of Staas Spekker

Staas Spekker, born March 4, 1841, in Hanover, Germany, immigrated to the United States in 1871, seeking a life of freedom. Initially working as a farmhand in Iowa, he later farmed in Oregon and ran a hotel before settling in Nez Perces County, Idaho, in 1886. A Republican and respected assessor and tax collector, Spekker’s industriousness led to prosperity through his farming ventures. He and his wife, Mary, raised twelve children, emphasizing education and community involvement. Spekker is recognized for his integrity and dedication.

Biography of Peter J. Ringler

Peter J. Ringler, born December 14, 1868, in Illinois, is a prominent figure in the bottling industry, managing the Parsons Bottling Works. His grandfather immigrated from Germany, and his father also worked in farming and business in the U.S. Peter left school at fourteen to become a machinist and shifted to the bottling sector in 1916. Active in the Lutheran Church and local politics, he married Caroline Christoffer and has four children, all of whom attend the Parsons public schools.

Carnes, Effie May Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. Effie May Carnes, a beloved young matron of North Powder, Oregon, passed away last Saturday at the age of 24 after a brief illness. Born on February 9, 1895, in Iowa, she moved to North Powder in 1907 and was an active member of the Methodist Church. Effie married Homer M. Carnes in June 1915, and they had two young children. Her funeral was held at the Methodist Church, attended by many friends and neighbors, with interment in the city cemetery.

Leep, Janie E.

Janie Elizabeth Leep, aged 70, passed away at her home on Monday. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday at West and Co. Chapel, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Born on November 22, 1890, in Gifford, Iowa, she moved to Baker County at 18 and married Willis Leep in 1911. The couple lived in Halfway until 1942. She is survived by her husband, a son, a brother, four sisters, six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.