Illinois, Adams County, Card Index to Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection includes a card index to death records in Adams County from the courthouse in Quincy, Illinois for the years 1877 to 1990.

Be aware that some of the index cards only contain a two digit year, for example 81. We have assumed that the cards with only two digit years for the number range 77-90 are from the 1900s. This may not always be correct. It would be best to contact Adams County for further details.

Record Content
The cards list the following:


 * Name at the time of death
 * Death date

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * Your ancestor's given name and surname
 * An estimated death year.

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name fill in your ancestor’s name in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about those in the list to what you already know about your own ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person.

If you did not find the person you were looking for, you may need to search the collection by image. ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the appropriate "Surname Range" which takes you to the images.

Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.

With either search keep in mind:
 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of their name, throughout their life.
 * If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.
 * Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors.

Use the name and death date to search for a death record in one of the following:


 * The Family History Library. It has the following two death collections for Adams County


 * Adams County, Illinois registers of deaths, 1877-1915; Film numbers
 * 1870155 Item 3
 * 1870156
 * 1870157
 * 1870156 Item 1
 * Adams County death record listing, 1878-1972; Film number 1870153 Item 2


 * Adams County Recorder

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * Continue to search the index and records to identify other relatives.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * You may need to compare the information of more than one person to determine which person is your ancestor.
 * Be aware that some of the index cards only contain a two digit year, for example 81. We have assumed that the cards with only two digit years for the number range 77-90 are from the 1900s. This may not always be correct. It would be best to contact Adams County for further details.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Related Websites

 * Quincy Public Library
 * Archives
 * Adams

Related Wiki Articles

 * Adams County, Illinois
 * Illinois Genealogy
 * Illinois Vital Records

Citations for this Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):

Image Citation