• MyHeritage Wiki
  • How-to guides
  • Research strategies
  • Illinois research strategies
    • Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee
    Illinois postcard
    Illinois postcard

    Illinois boasts a diverse tapestry of cultures, histories, and ancestral lines that trace back hundreds of years. From its Indigenous communities and early French explorers to waves of European immigrants, the Prairie State’s records offer a wealth of genealogical clues. Whether you are a seasoned family historian or just beginning your research, understanding Illinois-specific resources and strategies is critical for building an accurate family tree.

    Research your ancestors on MyHeritage

    Understand the History

    How to Explore Historical Context:

    • Study Major Events: Familiarize yourself with key Illinois historical milestones—such as statehood in 1818 and the impact of the Civil War on local populations. Major events often generated records (e.g., military drafts, land transactions) that can yield vital clues.
    • Identify Early Settlements: Investigate early French settlements along the Mississippi River and the influx of other European groups. Understanding early migration patterns will help you trace your ancestors’ movements.
    • Use History for Clues: Pinpointing an ancestor in a specific time frame can narrow your search of record repositories. Historical contexts—like the Great Migration in the 20th century—can also explain why ancestors may have relocated to or from Illinois.

    Understand the Geography and Jurisdiction

    • Locate Your Ancestors’ Region: Determine whether your ancestors lived in Northern, Central, or Southern Illinois. Geography often influenced employment opportunities (e.g., industrial jobs in Chicago, agricultural communities downstate).
    • Identify Local Resources: Each locality—city, county, or township—can hold different records. For example, Chicago and Cook County have some of the most extensive repositories, but smaller counties may offer unique documents housed at the local clerk’s office.

    State Boundaries

    Rivers established the southern and western boundaries of Illinois, but the northern border with Wisconsin was contentious. According to the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, this boundary was supposed to begin at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. After Illinois achieved statehood in 1818, residents—particularly those near Galena—were sometimes confused about whether they lived in Illinois or in the Wisconsin Territory. The current northern boundary was not finalized until after 1846.

    • Review State Formation Timeline: Illinois became a territory in 1809 and a state in 1818. Before 1809, the land fell under the jurisdiction of other territories (Indiana, Northwest, or Virginia claims). Records from these earlier jurisdictions may be archived outside Illinois.
    • Use Boundary Maps: Check historical maps that illustrate how state boundaries shifted over time. Sites like the Newberry Library’s Atlas of Historical County Boundaries (available online) help you confirm where records might be kept.

    County Boundaries

    • Check Formation Dates: Many Illinois counties have changed boundaries or been subdivided. An ancestor residing in one “county” in 1820 might be in a newly formed county by 1840.
    • Look up Parent Counties: If your target county did not exist at the time of your research, find out its parent county. Records before the formation date are often located in the parent county’s archives.
    • Use County Maps or Gazetteers: Tools such as the FamilySearch Wiki and historical gazetteers provide guidance on when counties were established and how they changed.

    Migration

    • Identify Common Routes: Many early settlers traveled along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers or used the National Road. Knowing the typical migration routes can help locate additional records along the way.
    • Search Neighboring States: Families often moved back and forth between bordering states like Indiana, Missouri, or Wisconsin. Check relevant state archives or genealogical societies for overlapping documents.
    • Use Land and Census Records: Noting changes in land ownership or shifts in census enumerations can pinpoint when and where a family relocated.

    Vital Records – Birth, Death, and Marriage

    While a law allowing counties to record births was introduced in 1843, compliance was not required until 1877. Statewide adherence was not achieved until 1922. A birth record can be requested for any deceased individual born after 1916; otherwise, there is a 75-year restriction on access unless you are seeking your own record.

    • Illinois Statewide Indexes: Illinois has statewide indexes for births, deaths, and marriages, though official state registration began relatively late (1916 for births and deaths). Earlier records may be found in county clerks’ offices.
    • County-Level Searches: Look for early birth, death, or marriage registers at the county level—some begin in the mid-1800s. Cook County records, especially for Chicago, are notably extensive.
    • Online Databases: Genealogy platforms including the Illinois State Archives website often contain digitized images or indexes of these vital records.
    • Obtain Certified Copies: If you need official documents, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or the relevant county clerk’s office.
    • Adoption: Individuals born before January 1, 1946, may obtain a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Those born on or after that date can also request this copy; however, one or both birth parents can request the removal of their names from any original birth certificate copies issued during their lifetimes. For additional details, visit https://www.newillinoisadoptionlaw.com/
    • Marriage Records: Illinois maintains several forms of marriage documentation, including registers, returns, and applications. Prior to 1877, marriage registers typically listed only the names of the couple and the officiant. After 1877, pre-printed registers added details such as age, place of residence, birthplace, and the names of parents or guardians. Counties generally began recording marriages soon after they were established. Certified copies of marriage certificates can only be obtained from county clerks. The statewide marriage register dates back to 1962.
    • Gretna Greens: “Gretna Greens” were destinations where marriage requirements were more lenient than in Illinois. Popular spots included Aberdeen, Ohio; Crown Point and Evansville in Indiana; Kenosha, Wisconsin; Lee County, Iowa; and St. Joseph, Michigan.

    Census Records – Federal and State

    Illinois census records are available at both the federal and state levels. Territorial censuses took place in 1807 (as part of the Indiana Territory), 1810, and 1818. The first state census was conducted in 1820, followed by subsequent state censuses in 1825, 1830, 1835, 1840, 1845, 1855, and 1865. Some partial indexes and images are available for research.

    Dane and Knox counties, as well as Illinois County (originally part of Virginia), are considered extinct.

    • Federal Censuses (1810–1940): The first federal census to include Illinois enumerations was 1810 (though partial). From 1850 onward, details such as place of birth, occupation, and household relationships become more robust.
    • Illinois State Censuses: Conducted in various years, such as 1825, 1830, 1835, 1845, 1855, and 1865. While less comprehensive than federal censuses, they can fill gaps in an ancestor’s timeline.
    • Check Alternate Schedules: Non-population schedules (agricultural, industrial, mortality) may exist for certain years and can provide additional clues about occupation and economic status.
    • Leverage Census Indexes and Online Resources: Use subscription websites and the National Archives for quick surname searches. Always verify with the original record image for accuracy.

    Immigration and Naturalization Records

    • Ports of Entry: While some Illinois immigrants arrived through East Coast ports, many entered via the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River. Investigate potential arrival ports based on your ancestor’s time and place of entry.
    • Naturalization Papers: Before 1906, naturalization could occur in any court; federal, state, or local. After 1906, records are standardized and housed with the federal court system (the National Archives).
    • Cook County Court Records: For Chicago-based immigrants, the Cook County Circuit Court holds many early naturalization records. Check indexes online or through the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD).

    Military Records

    • Identify Time Period: Illinois residents fought in conflicts ranging from the War of 1812 to World War II and beyond. Determine the era that might apply to your ancestor.
    • Search Service and Pension Files: Federal pension records (available via the National Archives or online databases) can provide birth, marriage, and family data.
    • State Militia Records: The Illinois State Archives holds militia rolls and enlistment documents, particularly for the Civil War. Also check the Adjutant General’s reports.

    Land and Property Records

    As a federal-land state, Illinois distributed property through land offices. These transactions involved military bounty land warrants, cash sales, and homesteading. For records created after 1800, consult the Bureau of Land Management Land Patent Index.

    • Use BLM Records: The Bureau of Land Management’s General Land Office (GLO) website offers federal land patent records, showing the original transfer of land from the government to individuals.
    • Research Local Deeds: After the initial transfer, land transactions were recorded at the county level. Deeds, mortgages, and property disputes can reveal relationships and residences.
    • Plat Maps and Atlases: Historical plat maps (available in local libraries or online) can help you visualize your ancestor’s property and identify neighbors who might be relatives.

    Court Records

    • Circuit Court Files: County courts handled civil and criminal cases. These often include probate, naturalization, divorce, and guardianship proceedings.
    • Research Indexes at Courthouses: Many courthouses maintain indexes to case files, though older records may have been moved to offsite archives or IRAD.
    • Check Higher Courts: If a case was appealed, records might be found at the Illinois Supreme Court or appellate court levels.

    Wills and Probate Records

    From 1819, probate matters fell under the jurisdiction of the clerk of the County Commissioner’s Court. This responsibility shifted to county courts in 1848, and since 1964, the Circuit Courts have overseen probate records. The Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) system serves as a primary repository for these documents.

    • Locate Probate Courts: Probate matters were typically handled by county courts. Check with the circuit clerk for indexes and case files.
    • Look for Guardianship Papers: If minors were involved, guardianship files may name family members and provide birth or death estimates.
    • Search Will Books: Many Illinois counties kept “Will Books” listing deceased individuals, heirs, and property details. These can pinpoint family relationships.

    Tax Records

    • Understand Availability: Tax records in Illinois date back to the early 1800s in some counties. They can fill gaps between census years.
    • Identify Property Ownership: Tax lists show land ownership or personal property details, potentially confirming your ancestor’s presence in a certain location.
    • Access Archives and Clerk Offices: Old tax rolls are often stored at county archives or IRAD. Some have been digitized and can be found online.

    Church and Cemetery Records

    In 1942, The Guide to Church Vital Statistics Records in Illinois was published, outlining where to find church records across the state. A digital copy can be accessed at https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001596610

    • Identify Denominations: Common Illinois denominations include Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, and Presbyterian, among others. Understanding your ancestor’s faith can direct you to relevant parish registers.
    • Locate Parish Registers: Baptisms, marriages, and burials are often recorded in church registers. Some may be microfilmed and available at local historical societies or online.
    • Cemetery Surveys and Headstones: Gravestone inscriptions can offer birth and death dates, familial connections, and sometimes even the birthplace of an immigrant ancestor.

    African-American and Indigenous Records

    • African-American Records: Investigate Freedmen’s Bureau records (post-Civil War) and church archives. Check county records for manumission papers (though less common in Illinois). The Great Migration from the South to Chicago created extensive urban records.
    • Indigenous Records: Tribal enrollment registers, treaties, and Bureau of Indian Affairs documents can be essential. The state’s Native American history includes the Illini Confederation, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, and others.
    • Local Community Organizations: Seek out African-American historical societies or tribal cultural centers, which may house oral histories, local data, and unpublished genealogical resources.

    Historical Newspapers

    • Search Obituaries and Announcements: Newspapers can provide birth, marriage, and death announcements, plus clues on relatives who visited or attended events.
    • Digitized Newspaper Archives: Platforms like Chronicling America (Library of Congress), OldNews.com, or local library websites may have historical Illinois newspapers.
    • Use Local Libraries: Many local historical societies and public libraries hold microfilmed newspapers that are not available online.

    Local and State Repositories

    • Illinois State Archives: Houses state-level government records, including vital record indexes, military records, and more.
    • IRAD (Illinois Regional Archives Depositories): Located at several state universities, these depositories hold county records, including deeds, court cases, and vital registers.
    • Libraries and Special Collections: Libraries such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield and the Newberry Library in Chicago offer extensive genealogical collections, manuscripts, and historical maps.

    Genealogical and Historical Societies

    • Join Statewide Societies: The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) provides resources, publications, and networking events. Membership often grants access to exclusive databases.
    • Connect with Local Groups: County-level genealogical societies may have indexes of local cemeteries, diaries, or family files. They can also guide you toward lesser-known resources.
    • Attend Workshops or Seminars: Many societies host regular meetings or conferences, where you can learn new methods and connect with other researchers.

    Conclusion

    Researching your Illinois ancestors can be a rewarding journey that bridges centuries of history. By understanding the state’s formation, shifting county lines, and unique record sets, you equip yourself with the tools necessary to uncover the stories of those who came before. Start with vital and census records for foundational data, then expand into military, immigration, and land files to gain deeper insight. Remember to explore specialized sources—like African-American and Indigenous records or church and cemetery data—for fuller context. Finally, leverage local, state, and online repositories, along with genealogical societies, to access the vast wealth of resources Illinois has to offer.

    See also

    Explore more about Illinois research strategies

    References


    Authors template (click twice to edit)
    Retrieved from ""