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.
The Seyfarth family’s history in Blue Island begins with William Seyfarth, born February 22, 1818, in Schloss-Tandorf near Weimar, Saxony. Arriving with his wife, Louise Bartling, in 1848, William established a tavern at Grove Street and Western Avenue and briefly operated a stone quarry. He served as Worth town clerk and assessor before his death in 1860. His wife continued the tavern, later marrying Charles Volk. William’s siblings, mother, and descendants contributed significantly to Blue Island’s community, with members branching out into Chicago and beyond while maintaining local roots in various trades and public roles.
The Krueger family, originating from Germany, was instrumental in shaping Blue Island, Illinois, in the mid-19th century. Four distinct Krueger families—Frederick, August, Christian Sr., and George—arrived between 1851 and 1853. Christian Sr. and his wife, Catherine Propper, led the largest branch, with descendants deeply integrated into the community. Notable Krueger family members include Ludwig, an early landowner, and Christian Jr., a prominent civic leader who served in various roles, including village president and school director. The Kruegers’ connections with families such as the Seyfarths and Kochs highlight their lasting influence in Blue Island’s genealogical landscape.
The Rexford family played a significant role in the early history and development of Blue Island, Illinois, and its surrounding areas. Benajah Rexford (1778–1862) and his first wife, Zeruia Squier, had six children, including Norman Rexford (1802–1883), a pioneer settler who established the first permanent building in Blue Island and served as its first postmaster. Norman’s siblings, Stephen H., Heber S., and others, also contributed to the region’s growth through various endeavors, including farming, postal services, and community leadership. The Rexford descendants, including Civil War veteran Everett H. Rexford and attorney Henry L. Rexford, furthered the family’s legacy of public…
The Robinson family played a significant role in the early history of Blue Island, Illinois, beginning with Daniel O. Robinson, who arrived in 1836 and helped construct the community’s first house. Other notable Robinsons included Henry, a merchant who settled in 1843, and Charles Drake, a farmer and shopkeeper who became a prominent local businessman. The family’s descendants engaged in various professions, from school administration to acting, and maintained a lasting presence in Blue Island. This article explores the Robinson family’s contributions, spanning real estate, commerce, and public service, and their connections to other prominent local families.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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