Illinois, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains church vital records from 1837-1995. They are from different denominations located in several counties in Illinois.

What Can these Records Tell Me?
Birth records may contain: Baptism records may contain:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The date of birth
 * The names of parents
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The date of birth
 * The date of baptism
 * The names of parents

Marriage records may contain: Death records may contain:
 * Names of bride and groom
 * Date of Marriage
 * Birthplaces and residences of bride and groom
 * Ages of bride and groom
 * Occupation of groom
 * Name
 * Spouse
 * Death date

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before using this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the individual
 * The approximate date and or location of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I was Looking For, What Now?

 * Search for vital records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records
 * Use the information found in the record to find additional family members in census records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Citing this Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.


 * Collection Citation: