Hancock County, Illinois Genealogy

United States Illinois  Hancock County

County Organization
Hancock County's civil records start the following years:

County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Hancock County are kept, see the Hancock County Courthouse page.

Historical Facts


Hancock County is named for John Hancock who was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Parent County

 * 1825--Hancock County was created 13 January 1825 from Pike County and unorganized territory.
 * County seat: Carthage

Boundary Changes
See an interactive map of Hancock County boundary changes.

Record Loss

 * Lost census: 1890

Populated Places

 * Nauvoo

Neighboring Counties

 * Adams
 * Clark County, Missouri
 * Henderson
 * Lee County, Iowa
 * Lewis County, Missouri
 * McDonough
 * Schuyler

Biography

 * The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois has a Hancock County edition. This includes a state history section along with a county history and biographies of Hancock County residents. See the wiki article for links to available copies and indexes.

Cemeteries
Illinois cemetery records often identify birth, death, relationship, and military information, as well as religious affiliation.


 * Find A Grave can be searched by the name of a person or family to find where a person is buried. Usually gives birth and death dates often with a picture of the tombstone.  May give obituaries, names of family members and links to their information in Find A Grave.


 * Find A Grave also gives a list of cemeteries in Hancock County and links to the information for the individuals buried there.


 * Hancock Co. IL USGenWeb Tombstone Project usually gives the names of the deceased in alphabetical order by last name with birth and death dates plus any remarks.


 * Illinois Cemeteries by county.


 * The Family History Library Catalog lists . Some of the books or others may be on Google Books or available at public libraries.


 * ePodunk list of Hancock County cemeteries gives the names of the cemeteries in the county with a link to more information such as address, phone number, and web site.


 * 1831–1874 Cemetery Record IRAD–WIU

Census

 * 1880 Census record IRAD–WIU

1840 Pensioners

 * A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services: With their Names, Ages, and Places of Residence, as Returned by the Marshalls of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Act for Taking the Sixth Census. Washington, D.C., 1841. ; ; digital version at Google Books. [See Illinois, Hancock County on page 187.]

Church Records

 * 1837–1936 Wittrup, Glenn E. A history of Methodism in &amp; near La Harpe, Illinois, ca. 1837-1936.
 * 1845–1846 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
 * 1852–1885 Pearl Creek Missionary Baptist Church records
 * 1854–1898 Methodist Episcopal Church–La Prarie Circuit
 * 1876–1906 Methodist Episcopal Church–Lorraine Circuit


 * Crooked Creek
 * Macedonia
 * Nauvoo 5
 * Ramus

Court Records
Original court records are held in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. See Illinois Court Records for more information about using court records.

The following abstracts and copies of original records may be accessed through the Family History Library or the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) located at the Western Illinois University (WIU) - search for Hancock County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the WIU IRAD Wiki page.


 * 1827–1864 Circuit Clerk's Miscellaneous Files IRAD–WIU
 * 1829–1838 Commissioners record (has some marriage licenses)
 * 1829–1897 Circuit court records
 * 1829–1858 Circuit Court Case FilesIRAD–WIU
 * 1829–1922 Circuit Court Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1830–1860 Civil and criminal files
 * 1830–1865 Index to court papers, vol. A
 * 1830–1964 Circuit Court Index IRAD–WIU
 * 1831–1840 Court proceedings
 * 1831–1857 Court records
 * 1833–1972 Guardianship records index
 * 1838–1840, 1843–1847 Court records
 * 1838–1924 Circuit Court Record, ChanceryIRAD–WIU
 * 1839–1923 Probate
 * 1841–1956 Certificates of levy and redemption
 * 1846–1922 County Court Case Files IRAD–WIU
 * 1849–1855 County Court Dockets IRAD–WIU
 * 1849–1858 Court orders
 * 1849–1938 Guardianship records
 * 1849–1964 Probate index
 * 1849–1964 Plaintiff and defendant index
 * 1850–1963 Probate court records
 * 1853–1924 Certificates of purchase
 * 1854–1858 Justice of the Peace Dockets IRAD–WIU
 * 1856–1965 Chancery court records indexes
 * 1857–1963 Circuit court records indexes
 * 1859–1878 Circuit Court Default Judgment RecordIRAD–WIU
 * 1859–1925 Administrators and executors records
 * 1861–1881 Circuit Court Master's Certificate of PurchaseIRAD–WIU
 * 1862–1923 Justice's Transcript RecordIRAD–WIU
 * 1862–1925 Record of justice transcripts
 * 1865–1928 Executor's records
 * 1879–1925 Widow's relinquishment and selection
 * 1879–1908 Conservator's record and law
 * 1883–1904 Adoption Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1886–1920 Letters of administration with will annexed
 * 1892–1916 Inventory, appraisament [sic] and sales bills,
 * 1894–1914 Circuit court records
 * 1911–1922 Will records
 * 1963–1972 Judgement index

African American
The following have information concerning African American research.


 * African American Research (US) has more information about the kinds of records


 * Illinois State Archives pamphlet on African American Research describes what records are at the State Archives with an online method for ordering records.
 * African-American Resources for Illinois

Local Histories
Biographical review of Hancock County, Illinois : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past (1907) (Archive.org). Also available from Google Books.

Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)

Gregg, Thomas. History of Hancock County, Illinois: Together with an Outline History of the State, and a Digest of State Laws. Chicago: C.C. Chapman &amp; Co., 1880. Digital versions at Ancestry ($); Internet Archive.

Land and Property
Online Resources


 * Beginning 1820 Land Patent Search See Illinois Land and Property for more information about this database.
 * 1796–1907 U.S. General Land Office Records found at Ancestry.com ($)
 * Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database
 * Hancock County Federal Township Plats

Original land records are held in the office of the County Clerk. See Illinois Land and Property for more information about using land records.

The following abstracts and copies of original records may be accessed through online sources, the Family History Library or the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) located at the Western Illinois University (WIU) - search for Hancock County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the WIU IRAD Wiki page.


 * 1817–1901 Deed index IRAD–WIU
 * 1817–1934 Deed Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1817–1838 Entry Books IRAD–WIU
 * 1817–1856 Land book
 * 1817–1917 Deed records
 * 1829–1973 Marks and brands record IRAD–WIU
 * 1834–1921 Levy and redemption records, old certificates and vol. 1-3
 * 1834–1938 Plat Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1836–1837 Land entry book
 * 1836–1856 School Land Sale Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1836–1884 Surveyor's Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1837–1856 Loan book
 * 1840–1904 Bonds and mortgages
 * 1841–1956 Master's and Sheriff's Levy and Redemption Certificates IRAD–WIU
 * 1853–1897 Certificates of purchase
 * 1853–1924 Master's and Sheriff's Certificates of Purchase IRAD–WIU
 * 1874–1893 Plat Record, Roads IRAD–WIU
 * 1882–1924 Mortgage Record IRAD–WIU

Additional Resources

Additional resources for Hancock County land and property may be found in the and. Copies of records on FHL microfilm and microfiche can be ordered for viewing at Family History Centers. Copies of books found in the FHLC may be found in WorldCat catalog and ordered from your local library through interlibrary loan. Explore how to search the Family History Library Catalog and the Worldcat Online Catalog.

Migration
Early migration routes to and from Hancock County for European settlers included:


 * Mississippi River
 * Mormon Trail 1846 from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah

Military Records

 * 1865–1965 Military Discharge Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1943–1965 Military Discharge Record IndexIRAD–WIU


 * Civil War Civil War service men from Hancock County served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (within a regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies or regiments that were formed from men of Hancock County.


 * - 25th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company D
 * - 32nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company B.
 * - 50th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Companies E, F and G.
 * - 57th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Companies A and H.
 * - 78th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Companies D and H.
 * - 88th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company F.

Naturalization
Original naturalization records are held in the office of the County Clerk. See Illinois Naturalization Records for more information about using naturalization records.

The following copies of original records may be accessed through the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) located at the Western Illinois University (WIU) - search for Hancock County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the WIU IRAD Wiki page.


 * 1851–1928 Naturalization Declarations of IntentIRAD–WIU
 * 1852–1868 Naturalization Record, FinalIRAD–WIU
 * 1865–1880 Naturalization Record of Soldiers and MinorsIRAD–WIU
 * 1876–1906 Naturalization Record, final IRAD–WIU
 * 1878–1906 Naturalization Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1928–1930 Naturalization Petition RecordIRAD–WIU

Probate Records
Original estates and wills are held in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk. See Illinois Probate Records for more information about using probate records.

The following abstracts and copies of original records may be accessed through the Family History Library or the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) located at the Western Illinois University (WIU) - search for Hancock County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the WIU IRAD Wiki page.

Online Resources


 * 1827–1942 Probate journals and records, wills, administratiors' records, executors' records, guardianship records, and widows relinquishment records for Hancock County probate records are also available in . Click on the browse through images link, select Hancock County, and select the record type you are interested in.

Copies and Abstracts


 * 1830–1923 Probate Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1830–1942 Probate Record Index IRAD–WIU
 * 1830–1915 Probate Inventory, Appraisement and Sale Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1831–1923 Probate Case Files IRAD–WIU
 * 1833–1923 Probate Will Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1835–1954 Probate Case Files, Guardians IRAD–WIU
 * 1839–1949 Probate Claim and Judgment DocketsIRAD–WIU
 * 1850–1963 Probate Sale Petitions Index, Real Estate IRAD–WIU
 * 1859–1924 Probate Administrator's RecordIRAD–WIU
 * 1864–1928 Probate Executor's Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1879–1908 Probate Conservator's Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1879–1937 Probate Inventory Record, Guardians IRAD–WIU
 * 1879–1925 Probate Widow's Relinquishment and Selection RecordIRAD–WIU
 * 1885–1920 Probate Administrator's Record with Will AnnexedIRAD–WIU
 * 1887–1922 Probate Administrator's and Executor's Reports IRAD–WIU
 * 1889–1938 Probate Guardian's Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1833–1972 Guardianship records index
 * 1849–1938 Guardianship records
 * 1849–1964 Probate index
 * 1839–1923 Probate
 * 1879–1925 Widow's relinquishment and selection
 * 1911–1922 Will records
 * 1886–1920 Letters of administration with will annexed
 * 1865–1928 Executor's records
 * 1850–1963 Probate court records
 * 1879–1908 Conservator's record and law
 * 1859–1925 Administrators and executors records
 * 1892–1916 Inventory, appraisament [sic] and sales bills,

Additional Resources

Additional resources for Hancock County probates may be found in the topic page of the Family History Library catalog (FHLC). Copies of records on FHL microfilm and microfiche can be ordered for viewing at Family History Centers. Copies of books found in the FHLC may be found in WorldCat catalog and ordered from your local library through interlibrary loan. Explore how to search the Family History Library Catalog and the Worldcat Online Catalog.

County Courthouse
County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Hancock County are kept, see the Hancock County Courthouse page.

Family History Centers

 * Introduction to LDS Family History Centers
 * Nauvoo Illinois Family History Center

Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)
IRAD is a system of Illinois Regional Archives Depositories managed by the Illinois State Archives, housing the archival records of local Illinois counties, townships, municipalities and school districts. The seven Regional Depositories are housed on state university campuses scattered throughout Illinois. Western Illinois University houses the records for Hancock County.

School Records

 * 1879–1953 School teachers' daily registers IRAD–WIU

Taxation

 * 1817–1857 Taxable Lands Lists IRAD–WIU
 * 1834–1848 Tax Sale Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1851–1861 Tax Sale Notices IRAD–WIU
 * 1858–1872 Tax Lists, Delinquent IRAD–WIU

Vital Records
See Illinois Vital Records for more information about Vital records in Illinois.

Vital records consist of birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Original birth and death certificates recorded until the year 1916 are kept by the Hancock County Clerk while those recorded after 1916 are kept by the Illinois Department of Public Health with a copy to the County Clerk. Original marriage records are usually kept by the County Clerk from the establishment of the county to the present. Original divorce records are generally in the office of the Circuit Court Clerk.

The following abstracts and copies of original records may be accessed through online databases, the Family History Library and the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) located at the Western Illinois University (WIU) - search for Hancock County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the IRAD Wiki page.

Births

 * 1844–1877 Birth Record, delayed IRAD–WIU
 * 1844–1922 Birth Certificates IRAD–WIU
 * 1867–1947 Birth Record Index IRAD–WIU
 * 1877–1915 Birth Record IRAD–WIU

Marriages

 * 1829–1933 Marriage Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1830–1922 Marriage LicensesIRAD–WIU
 * 1862–1940 Marriage Record Index IRAD–WIU
 * 1880–1925Marriage License Applications IRAD–WIU

Online Resources


 * 1763-1900 Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900
 * 1790–1860 Illinois Marriage indexfound at Ancestry.com ($)
 * Marriages in the Nauvoo Region, 1839-1845 available at WorldVitalRecords.com ($)

Deaths

 * 1877–1931 Death Certificates IRAD–WIU
 * 1877–1917 Death Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1877–1947 Death Record Index IRAD–WIU
 * 1878–1916 Death Record, Stillbirths IRAD–WIU
 * 1893–1913 Coroner's Inquest Record IRAD–WIU
 * 1902–1941 Burial and Removal Permits IRAD–WIU
 * 1903–1919 Death Certificates, Stillbirths IRAD–WIU

Online Resources


 * 1916-1950 Database of Illinois Death Certificates, 1916-1950
 * Pre-1916 Illinois Statewide Death Index, Pre-1916
 * 1850–1885 U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885 found at Ancestry.com ($)

Additional Resources
Additional resources for Hancock County births, marriages and deaths may be found in the and the  topic page topic page of the Family History Library catalog (FHLC). Copies of records on FHL microfilm and microfiche can be ordered for viewing at Family History Centers. Copies of books found in the FHLC may be found in WorldCat catalog and ordered from your local library through interlibrary loan. Explore how to search the Family History Library Catalog and the Worldcat Online Catalog.

Web Sites

 * USGenWeb project is a great site that will has vital records, cemeteries, census, histories, newspapers, military, maps. There are links to libraries, societies, and courthouses, and mailing lists.
 * Early Pioneers of Nauvoo database
 * Hancock County, Illinois Genealogy and Family History(Linkpendium)
 * Hancock County, Illinois Genealogy and Family History(Linkpendium)