Tips for Genealogy Research Visits
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| As Iowa was being settled in the early days of this state, Van Buren was one of it's most populous counties. Today, Van Buren county has only about 7,780 residents of which the county seat, Keosauqua, is the largest community with a population of just over 1,000 citizens. It is perhaps the most "laid back" county in the state without a single traffic light or fast-food restaurant within it's borders. Pioneers by the tens of thousands found their way through the area because of its plentiful timber, fertile land and it's proximity to the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers. Some of Iowa's earliest, rich, pioneer history will be found here. Fortunately, due to the efforts of many great volunteers it remains rich in genealogical resources for those in search of their early Iowa ancestors. Should you choose to make a trip to do onsite research in Van Buren county, you will find many fine resources at your disposal and a great, relaxing area in which to spend a day or several days digging into your family's roots. The information below is intended to help you in planning your visit. |
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Keosauqua
Public Library & Genealogy Society Collection
Most of the villages of Van Buren county have local town libraries. The
amount of genealogy materials available will vary with the location. The
extensive collection of the Van Buren County Genealogical Society is housed in the
Keosauqua Public Library at the
corner of First & Van Buren streets, Keosauqua. You will likely want
this to be the focal point of your research visit due to the extensive
resources available here. Because of the extended hours on Wednesday and
Thursday, those two days often work out well. The library is equipped
with a microfilm reader/printer, access to a photo copy machine and the
Internet.
See Map
If you are going to be in Keosauqua searching for records of that elusive ancestor and feel you might need assistance, a group of Van Buren County Genealogical Society members may be able to help you. Call to let the library staff know when you are coming, and they'll do their best to have a volunteer available to help you. Phone number -- 319-293-3766.
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Van Buren County Court House The Van Buren county courthouse, constructed in 1840, is located at 406 Dodge St., Keosauqua.
Birth, Death, Marriage, Land, Probate and other records may be found
here. Most all of it is indexed. The offices of the County Recorder and
County Clerk are likely those where your time will be well spent. Office
Hours are Mon. - Fri., 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
See
Map
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| Cemeteries Van Buren county has more cemeteries than almost any other Iowa county with well over 100. (see maps and surname index) Many visitors are able to locate the burial places of their ancestors during visits to the area using the resources of both the Van Buren Co. GenWeb site and the Genealogy Library. Bring your camera to snap photos and then, add them to the Van Buren County Gravestone Photo database.
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| Lodging You will find a variety of lodging options available in Van Buren county. Visit the "Villages of Van Buren" Lodging web page for details. Lodging in closest proximity to the Keosauqua Library includes the Hotel Manning, Riverview Motor Inn, Riverfront Cabins, and the Lake Sugema Cabins. Though in Van Buren county, you are only minutes away no matter where you choose to stay.
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Other Points of Interest
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| Resources: Map of Keosauqua Map of Van Buren County (large file)* * Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Required |
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| You're almost sure to have a productive and enjoyable visit to historic Van Buren county! We hope you find lots of valuable information. If you do find obituaries or information that could also be useful to others researching the same surnames, we encourage you to contribute them to our Message Boards. It's another wonderful way to make contact with others who may be able to help you . . . and you them. If you took Gravestone Photos, be sure to add them to our Gravestone Photo Project site as well. Thanks for visiting! |
