Probate records begin in 1850 also and are located in the County Clerk's office, Tama County Courthouse, Toledo, Iowa. They are also indexed and include guardianship records, wills and estate proceedings, adoptions and divorce proceedings.

Land Records are also located in the Tama County Recorder's Office and are easily indexed. They also have in the Tama County Courthouse the first book of Benton County Deeds, in perfect condition and indexed. However, remember that it is very likely that Tama County was created from Benton County and the records were never moved to the Benton County Courthouse and were simply left there. Be certain to check Benton county also for early marriages and probate records. The County Recorder also has cemetery plot deed records, city and town lot deed, soldier's discharge records and the original homestead book. Again, this is probably for Benton County as well.

Tax Records are found in the auditor's office and date back to 1848. They are very helpful in making their records available.

The Tama County Historical Society was organized April 9, 1942 and is by far one of the best collections of historical and genealogical artifacts and books in the state. At first they were housed in the courthouse and soon moved to the abandoned County Jail built in 1870 which included living quarters for the Sherrif and his family.

In January 1971 the County Grand Jury made the decision to close the Jail for local law offenders. The building needed much repair but was soon outfitted as the local historical museum with monetary donations and enthusiastic volunteer help.

The present collection included displays of Indian and Pioneer artifacts, books, clothing, children's toys, tools, household items, furniture, military uniforms and memorabilia, etc. Some of the original cells of the old Jail remain on second floor including the solitary confinement cell. Meetings of the Tama County Historical Society are held on the second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September and November at 7:30 pm.