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

The Slane Family of Princeville

Peoria County
This biography recounts the life of Benjamin Slane (1798–1875), a Virginia-born pioneer who settled in Illinois in 1831. Slane married Delilah Cheshire in 1824, with whom he had six children. The family’s journey to Illinois was marked by challenging conditions and encounters with Native Americans. After Delilah’s death in 1839, Slane raised their children alone, eventually settling in Princeville. Known for his integrity, he served as justice of the peace and supervisor. His children largely remained in the community, continuing his legacy of hard work and respectability.

Seyfarth Family of Blue Island, Illinois

Cook County
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.

Krueger Family of Blue Island, Illinois

Cook County
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.

Rexford Family of Blue Island, Illinois

Cook County
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…

Robinson Family of Blue Island, Illinois

Cook County
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.

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…

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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