Illinois Genealogy

Illinois Genealogy contains information and records for Illinois ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Specifically, it provides sources for birth records, death records, marriage records, census records, tax records, court records, and military records across the entire state of Illinois. It also provides some historical details about different times and people in Illinois history.

Featured Illinois Genealogy

Families of Cherry Valley, Illinois
These new articles provide historical and genealogical sketches of many early families of Cherry Valley, Winnebago County, Illinois.

Illinois Obituaries
Obituaries provided from our readers

Biographies of Champaign County, Illinois
The 475 biographies from this section were extracted from the Standard History of Champaign County, Illinois written by J. R. Stewart. They are a cross reference of the residents of Champaign County, and most were alive during 1918.

Histories of Illinois Civil War Regiments and Units
The following histories of Illinois Civil War regiments and units originate from the first eight volumes of the nine volume publication, Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois (1900-1902). The histories, some written shortly after the war’s end, are the work of numerous authors throughout the intervening years. The 1886 version of the Adjutant General’s Report included regimental histories compiled by that office which had not previously been published. The final 1900-1902 republication of the report incorporated revisions and corrections to the histories.

Portrait and biographical record of Lee County, Illinois
The “Portrait and Biographical Album of Lee County, Illinois,” created in the late 19th century, stands as a remarkable compendium of personal histories, reflecting the lives and legacies of individuals who contributed to the development of Lee County. This volume, meticulously compiled by the Biographical Publishing Company, offers a unique lens through which genealogists and historians can explore the intricate fabric of the past. As you delve into this collection, it’s essential to approach the information with both appreciation and a critical eye, recognizing its dual role as a primary and secondary source.

Morgan County Illinois Biographical Sketches

Recent Genealogy

History of Some Will County Rural Schools

Will County
In 1987, Barbara K. Adams, Library Media Center librarian, and John Troughton, Physical Education teacher, of Irene H. King Elementary School in Valley View Public Schools Community Unit District 365U, asked Eileen Ward, a retired teacher of the district to write down some of the history and her memories of teaching 48 years, her entire teaching career, in the district. The following are the result.

DeKalb County IL Professional License Registers

DeKalb County
The following names were extracted from these registers, unfortunately the specific date was not extracted. Professional license registers in Illinois were key records that documented individuals holding licenses in various fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and other professional occupations. These registers are valuable for historical and genealogical research as they can provide insights into a person’s career and geographic location at a specific time.

Biography of Jonathan Depuy (1816-1891)

Lee County
Jonathan Depuy, born on October 2, 1816, in Delaware, became one of the early settlers of Lee County, Illinois, after moving there in 1844. He was a dedicated farmer who contributed significantly to the development of Nachusa Township, where he improved two farms. Depuy first married Sallie A. Klintop in 1837, with whom he had eight children. After her death in 1866, he married Tena Bauman in 1867. Jonathan Depuy passed away on June 16, 1891, leaving behind a respected legacy and a productive estate in Nachusa Township. His widow, Tena, continued to reside on their 80-acre farm.

Biography of Richard S. Farrand of Dixon

Lee County
Richard S. Farrand, born on October 1, 1852, in St. Joseph Township, Indiana, became a prominent figure in Lee County, Illinois, through his dedication to law and public service. After leaving home at eleven, Farrand supported himself and pursued an education, eventually moving to Lee County at age fifteen. He taught school before becoming Deputy Sheriff in 1877, and later studied law under A. C. Bardwell, gaining admission to the bar in 1879. Elected County Judge in 1882, Farrand served multiple terms and was also a former Mayor of Dixon. He married C. J. Marsh in 1873, and they had…

Biography of George W. Hulbert of Bradford Township

Lee County
George W. Hulbert, born January 24, 1836, in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, moved to Lee County, Illinois, at the age of six with his parents, Elias and Hannah Hulbert. He grew up in Bradford Township, where he pursued farming and became an active community member. In 1859, he married Loraine L. Evitts, with whom he had three children. George held several local offices, including Assessor and Collector, and played a key role in establishing the Bradford Mutual Insurance Company. After his death on January 5, 1888, Loraine managed the family’s 120-acre farm, demonstrating her capability and resilience.

Biography of Hugh Fitzpatrick of May Township

Lee County
Hugh Fitzpatrick, born in April 1823 in County Cavan, Ireland, emigrated to the United States where he became a prominent farmer and civic leader in May Township, Lee County, Illinois. After working on railway construction projects in New York and Pennsylvania, Fitzpatrick settled in Lee County in 1857, eventually amassing substantial farmland. He married Ann DeLacy, also from County Cavan, in 1850. Despite the loss of their two children, the couple became integral members of their community, with Hugh serving over ten years on the Lee County Board of Supervisors. He was a devout Roman Catholic.

Biography of Christian B. Classen of South Dixon Township

Lee County, Whiteside County
Christian B. Classen, born October 4, 1815, in Varel, Oldenburg, Germany, was the son of Claus and Eliza (Varner) Classen. After losing his parents early in life, Christian married Sophia Christians, also of Oldenburg, and the couple emigrated to the United States in 1852. They settled in Illinois, first in Sugar Grove and later in Whiteside County, before purchasing a farm in South Dixon Township in 1869. Despite the loss of their three children, Christian and Sophia became respected members of their community, known for their strong Lutheran faith and successful farming endeavors.

Biography of Isaac Edwards (1828–1890)

Lee County
Isaac Edwards (1828–1890) was a prominent figure in Amboy, Lee County, Illinois, known for his substantial contributions to the community and his successful business ventures. Born in Somersetshire, England, he immigrated to the United States in 1850 with limited means. Edwards worked on the construction of several railroads before settling in Amboy in 1853, where he established a thriving livery business and acquired significant property, including 580 acres of farmland. A dedicated Republican, Edwards served as County Treasurer, Sheriff of Lee County, and Mayor of Amboy. He married Elizabeth Saul in 1853, and they had eight children, four of whom…

Biography of Ebenezer H. Johnson (1810-1885)

Lee County

Ebenezer H. Johnson (1810–1885) was a significant pioneer of Palmyra Township, Illinois, and played a prominent role in the early development of Lee County. Born in Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York, he moved to Illinois in 1838, shortly after marrying Sarah Johnson. A successful farmer and influential community member, Johnson owned substantial property and was actively involved in local politics, serving as Township Supervisor and holding various other offices. A devoted Republican and Methodist, he and Sarah had seven children, five of whom survived into adulthood. Johnson’s life is deeply intertwined with the history and growth of his township. Ebenezer…

Biography of Stanwood Griffith of Ashton Township

Lee County
Stanwood Griffith (b. 1834) was a prominent figure in Ashton Township, Illinois, serving as Supervisor and engaging in various successful business ventures. Born in New Lisbon, Ohio, to Oliver and Mary Griffith, he initially pursued farming before moving to Illinois in 1864. In Ashton Township, he transitioned into the drug, hardware, and lumber businesses, eventually co-founding Griffith & Sons with his children. Griffith was also a dedicated public servant, holding roles such as Justice of the Peace and School Director. He married Elizabeth Charters in 1858, and together they had seven children. Griffith was active in the Presbyterian Church and…

Neighboring States

The following states neighbor Illinois and are not listed in the Great Lakes Genealogy list below. Visit AccessGenealogy to see free genealogy covering the entire United States.

Great Lakes Genealogy

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