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Archiver > ILJOHNSO > 2001-05 > 0989452471


From: "Connie McKenzie" <>
Subject: [ILJOHNSO] Johnson County courthouse research
Date: Wed, 9 May 2001 17:40:08 -0700
References: <3.0.6.32.20010508202359.007ec100@reliable-net.net> <3.0.6.32.20010509075655.007d9ab0@reliable-net.net>


Hi Sharon,

As far as I know of Johnson County has not given andy of their original
records to IRAD. I just too a look at some of my records from that county
and marriage book #2 starts in 1835. It's right there in the courthouse
along with book #1 that is even earlier.

I think that the availability of original records varies for each county,
but I have been pretty lucky going to the courthouses in the southern
counties. Each one has it's own set of rules for how much access they give
you - some let you into the back rooms to do your own research and others
make you look at index books at the counter and then request the records -
that just takes more time and turns genealogists into pests to the clerks -
but it's okay if you are patient and nice to the clerks. The courthouse in
Vienna has been the most friendly to genealogists that I have been to in any
state. And their cost for copies has been relatively reasonable - I think
the last time I was there it was 50 cents a copy.

A few years ago I went to a research center at Southern Illinois University
at Carbondale. I can't say for certain, but I think they are part of the
IRAD system - someone else on the list could help with that. I didn't have
alot of time so I came away very disappointed - so that was my fault not
theirs. Also I had to look though microfilm and I always find that less
than fun! I personally don't know whether they have originals or not.

Anyway if you are going to Illinois start with Vienna courthouse and the
library - call first to get the hours - the library isn't always open - and
have lunch at Ned's Shed which is about a block from the center of town -
great BBQ and fries - I'd starve when I go to Johnson County if it wasn't
for them! There is a cemetery headstone business across from the courthouse
and one of the mortuaries about two blocks away if you want to go to them
for help.

If you have time try to find the cemeteries where your ancestors are buried.
Most of them are small so you should be able to find the stones. Just
beware of the grass - I don't know what they call it but if it has grown
high there is some part of it that will get your shoes and pants all
black. - I always take water and a towel to clean up after I go into one of
the cemeteries. And the ground there is very soft especially if it has
rained so you might sink in a bit - I was born in Illinois but have spent
most of my life in California and sinking up to my ankles in the moist dirt
back there was also a shock.

And I always say this to everyone - check the probate records and the wills
they are usually a gold mine. It's really interesting to read if family
members are squabbling over property. Another interesting thing that I
found there were records for declaring relatives "insane." I think they
used that term to cover a variety of ailments. I check everything from
criminal records, civil records/divorces to land deeds. I just wish they
would let me spend the night in the courthouse - I would get so much done :)

Have fun with your trip - and if you are going to be back there for Memorial
weekend stop by the town of Cypress they are going to have a Mud Race there
on Saturday - I've never been to one of those but my cousins help to
organize it and it sounds very loud and messy with all the mud they create
on the main street and all the racing cars. That isn't a California thing
either :) I'll be there this year for the race and will spend Memorial Day
putting silk flowers on the headstones of my families.

If anyone else on this list will be back there during that time - email me
and maybe we can set up a reunion for the day - could be a real photo
opportunity for descendants - I do freelance photography for a newspaper
here in CA and will have all my photo equipment with me.

Connie - descendant for the WEST, HARVICK, JONES, WILHELM, WHITE,
DUNSWORTH, LOWRY, CARTER, DUNN, WORREL, COX families from Johnson county





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