Researching Jo Daviess County Houses
PRELIMINARY STEPS
1. Obtain the abstract for the property if possible. Sometimes the original abstract, or a copy, can be obtained from the mortgager. The abstract will give the legal description of the land and show the chain of title or ownership as far back as records exist. Unfortunately, abstracts are no longer required, a simple warranty deed is now standard.
2. If you're researching a house, what style is it? Different styles were popular at different times and this will help you date the house. Staff at the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society, the Historical Collections Room of the Galena Public Library, and State Historic Sites Office may be helpful. Each has a variety of resources available for determining architectural styles, as does a good library.
3. Talk to neighbors, especially long-time residents. This is a wonderful way to learn about previous owners, what paint colors were on the house, and interior design and decoration. They, as well as previous owners, may have photographs showing your home in earlier times.
Source List
First note that this is not a complete list of sources available. Those listed offer an abundance of information and can often provide you with further leads on the history of your house or property.
Note: Fees may apply.
Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society & Museum
211 S. Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
(815) 777-9129
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
*General information and guidance offered.
*Plat books of Jo Daviess County and its communities (1872, 1893, and 1913) available in museum office.
*Period photographs of houses, streets, and people are available, as are maps of Galena and the county.
Historical Collections Room
Galena Public Library
601 S. 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.
*City of Galena Tax and Assessors Books (1850s-WWII)
*County and community histories.
*Galena City Directories beginning in 1847; and miscellaneous city records.
*Newspapers from 1828-1960s published in Galena and communities within Jo Daviess County.
*Photographs, maps, etc.
*Federal and Illinois censuses from 1830s-1920.
* Access via Steve Repp to the private photographic collection of Alfred Mueller, a wealth of information pertaining to houses, streets, and people.
Galena Historic Sites Office
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Division of Illinois Historic Sites
307 Decatur St.
Galena, IL 61036
(815) 777-3310 by appointment only.
Resources library includes:
*Architectural styles and interior design books, pamphlets, etc.
*Technical leaflets and manuals on restoration practices.
*Illinois State conducted photographic survey of Galena Buildings from the 1960s.
*Alfred Mueller Photographic Collection, indexed by location, subject.
Jo Daviess County Court House
3330 N. Bench St.
Galena, IL 61036
County Clerk's and Recorder's Office, First Floor
(815) 777-0161
*Deed, birth, death & marriage records. Fees apply.
Circuit Clerk's Office, Second Floor
(815) 777-0037
*Probate records: May show a previous owner's household inventory, bills of improvements made on property that estate must pay, etc. Useful for determining the furnishings and decor of the home and general improvements.
County Treasurer's Office, First Floor
*Tax Collector's Books: from 1850s to present, requests must include the township in which the property is located. Beware of financial depressions (Compare the value of a neighboring lot.)