Explanatory Note:
Mills County Death Records have two parts. There is a Death Index, listed by Surname. Then there is a Death Record giving more detailed information. Some discrepancies
have been found between the death index and the death records. Records were transcribed years ago by two dedicated volunteers. The records were not changed, but with a few exceptions; sometimes the correct spelling was determined
after checking cemetery and other records. (Original note written by Cay Merryman, updated by Karyn Techau, July 2013.)
Index to Register of Deaths - "Death Index"
1880-1899 - Books 1-4 - Listed by Surname, page number gives location of death record. If you locate a name in the death index, then look for it in the Register of Deaths. (transcribed by Cay Merryman; Microfilm #1503210, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FHLC).
Register of Deaths 1880-1899 - "Death Record"
Lists the name, sex, birthplace, age at death, marital status, residence (how long in state), date of death, death place, and burial location.
1880-1890 - Book 1, pages 1-40 - transcribed by Bev Boileau, 1981, Original Death Records, Book 1, Glenwood, Iowa).
1891-1897 - Book 1, pages 41-87- transcribed by Cay Merryman, LDS FHLC Microfilm # 1503210, v1.
1897-1899 - Book 2, pages 1-240 – transcribed by Cay Merryman, LDS FHLC Microfilm # 1503210. Records are nearly in alphabetical order.
1898-1908 - Book 2, v2 - transcribed by Abigail Abeyta-Martin, Marcia M. Hummel, Deb Smith and Karyn Techau, LDS FHLC Microfilm # 1503210, Item 4.
The following abbreviations should be noted:
- n/a = not given
- Marital Status: s = single; m = married; w = widow or widower
- Age: y = year; m = month; d = day; hrs = hours
- Death Place: # after d. Glenwood: refers to the Ward where the person lived
- IIFMC = Iowa Institute for Feeble Minded Children, sometimes indicated on a death record but more often it says Glenwood.
- Glnwd St Ce = Glenwood State Cemetery.
Glenwood State School Records – Originally the Glenwood Institute was called the Soldiers’ Orphans Home. The Institute opened its doors in 1876.
At the turn of the century, approximately 1000 children (referred to as inmates), were living at the Iowa Institution for Feebleminded Children (IFMC).
The percentage of deaths of children and teenagers were much higher than in other Iowa counties. Many times little was known about the child's age and background.
There was a State Cemetery for burial of the residents; however it is not indexed in the Mills County Cemetery Book.
Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Family History Library Catalog, Microfilm # 1503210. and Original Death Records, Book 1, Glenwood, Iowa.
