Frequently Asked Questions

We know that finding one's roots can be a struggle. Our job here is to put as much info online as we can in the way of transcribed records and resources. While we try to be as accurate as possible, these transcriptions are really just a way to let you know where your ancestors name may (or may not) appear. We know you may still have problems or questions. Following are a few of the most asked questions:

I know my family is from Clinton County, but I couldn't find anything about them on your site.

Unfortunately, Everything isn't online. There are so many sources of information. With everything we do have on the Clinton County site, we have barely scratched the surface of what is available. There may be several records of your ancestors - we just haven't gotten them online yet.

Where do I find copies of the Birth, Marriage or Death record that I need?

Depending on what you need, you will need to write to the courthouse, county clerk or Iowa's Bureau of Vital Records. (See the Records page for more info on what's available from each.) BUT, many times you can get more information for less money by viewing microfilm. Microfilm is available through LDS Family History Centers, the Clinton Public Library or the Iowa State Historical Society.

I have questions regarding where someone is buried, or I want to have someone buried in a certain cemetery -- What is the contact information for a cemetery?

Most cemeteries have sextons that take care of the cemeteries and sometimes they have information on where everyone is buried.  Sometimes the cemetery belongs to a church, the county, or even a family, and someone at those locations may have more info on their particular cemetery.  Because funeral homes would most likely have contact information on most of the cemeteries, they might be a good resource for information.  Other than that - I don't have any idea how to contact someone one about having someone buried.  Also, as much as I would like to, I can't help clean up a cemetery, repair a headstone or find gravesites other than the information I already have online for each cemetery.

Can you do me a favor and look-up something for me?

Please see the Look-Up Volunteers page for someone who may be able to help. I'm sorry to say I just can't do look-ups and I'm not very good at it anyway.

I have information or documents to submit, how do I do that?

You can email us at and I will work with you to get all that wonderful goodness online!

I have submitted something in the past but now I don't see it here. Where did my submission go?

This website has gone thru many changes over the years, and many coordinators. I am truly sorry if your submission no longer shows up. Most of the coordinators have very little experience with web sites and things can easily get misplaced and/or deleted. If you can re-submit the info, that would be truly appreciated. I totally apologize for any errors that have been made.

I don't have anything to submit but I would like to help get stuff online. What can I do to help?

There are so many records becoming available online and more being added everyday. Many times, they are just images. We would like to transcribe the actual data and make it available here. Currently, we are working on transcribing census records but there are also newspaper sites from which we can get obits, books we can get biographies and other info, directories, as well as vital records such as births and deaths. If you would like to help, please email me at clintoniagenweb@gmail.com and let me know how you can help. We can definitely put you work :)

I have doors and/or windows in my house that were made by the Curtis Company. Can you tell me where I can get replacements or have them fixed?

The Curtis Company was very prominent in Clinton for a long time but according to Sash and Door Factory, the factory closed in Clinton in 1966.