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One of the most frequent inquiries the
Historical Society receives are questions relating to family
histories. A wealth of information exists, but where to go and how to
get started are usually the obstacles.
Here is a summary of the sources to which the Historical
Society refers family researchers:
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS ROOM
Galena Public Library
601 South Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
(815) 777-0200
Open weekdays, 3-5 p.m.
(Wed. 3-8 p.m.); Sat. 12-4 p.m.; or by special appointment
Archives in the Historical Collections Room
include a mix of documents owned by the Historical Society and
the Public Library. Local
historians H. Scott Wolfe and Steve Repp staff the room and
provide on-site assistance to anyone seeking research
information on families, houses, historical events, etc.
They will also try to answer the written correspondences
and provide photocopies of documents for a small fee.
Otherwise, assistance is free.
Here
is a brief list of the variety of intact and microfilmed
documents available:
v
County Assessor’s Books from the 1850s-WWII
v
Federal, Illinois State, and Territorial Censuses
from 1830s-1920
v
Newspapers from 1828-1982 published in Galena and
communities within Jo Daviess County
v
Indexes to Vital Records (marriage, death, etc.)
stored at the Jo Daviess County Court House
v
Family histories and diaries
v
Some Galena church records
v
Galena City Directories, beginning in 1847; and
miscellaneous city records
v
Maps; Tax and Block Books (1838-1876); county,
township, and community histories; and regional and state
histories
v
Photographs from the area; access to the Alfred
Mueller photographic collection
In
addition to these primary and secondary sources, the Historical
Collections Room has a wide variety of reference materials on
how to go about researching one’s family.
JO
DAVIESS COUNTY GENWEB SITE
An
excellent place to start if you’re using the Internet
http://www.rootsweb.com/~iljodavi/index.html
JO
DAVIESS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
330
North Bench Street
Galena,
IL 61036
County Clerk’s
Office-First Floor
(815)
777-0161
County
Vital Statistics:
v
Death records beginning in 1877; usually include
the date and cause of death and sometimes the place of birth.
There is a $12.00 fee for each death certificate.
Additional copies of the same certificate are $4.00
each.
v
Birth records beginning in 1877.
There is a $12.00 fee for each search; this includes
one certified copy if record is found.
Additional copies of same certificate are $4.00. Sources
may not be complete and accurate during earliest recorded
years.
v
Marriage records beginning in 1830.
They include two documents: the actual license and the
accompanying certificate signed by the clergyman and
witnesses. A
$12.00 fee applies; it includes one certified copy, if record
is found. Additional
copies of same certificate are $4.00. Earliest
records have little information, but this was expanded in 1877
to include ages, place of birth, etc.
An index of groom’s surnames can be reviewed at no
charge.
v
Naturalization Records from 1828 to
approximately 1910. There
are two documents: Declaration of Intent to become a U.S.
Citizen, and the later Naturalization paper.
Records pertain to men only. Genealogical
researchers will find the former to be the most helpful due to
its detailed information on age, birthplace, port of arrival
in U.S. and when. Not
all records, however, are complete.
Circuit Clerk’s Office-Second Floor
(815)
777-0037
Probate
Records from 1828 onward. These
records include Wills, Probate and Guardianship of minors. They often show itemization of expenses, income, inventory of
possessions of deceased, and upkeep and schooling expenses for
minor children.
Charges: Basic research provided free. Small charge for photocopies.
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