About the Society
The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois serves family historians and genealogists researching ancestry in the southern Illinois region. This multi-county area has unique historical characteristics that distinguish it from central and northern Illinois, requiring specialized knowledge and resources for effective genealogical research.
Southern Illinois encompasses numerous counties stretching from the Wabash River on the east to the Mississippi River on the west, and from roughly the Springfield latitude southward to Cairo at the state's southern tip. This diverse region includes everything from the Mississippi river bottomlands to the rolling hills and coal mining areas of "Little Egypt."
The Society brings together individuals researching Southern Illinois families, shares research strategies and resources, provides assistance to members, and works to preserve genealogical materials documenting the region's families and communities.
Researching Southern Illinois Ancestry
Settlement Patterns
Understanding Southern Illinois settlement history is crucial for genealogical research. The region was settled earlier than northern Illinois, with significant differences in origins and patterns:
- Early American Settlement (1800s-1830s) - Initial settlers came primarily from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas, moving up the Ohio River and its tributaries
- Southern Upland Culture - Early settlement reflected southern Appalachian patterns rather than the New England/Mid-Atlantic traditions more common in northern Illinois
- French Heritage - Some areas, particularly along the Mississippi River, had earlier French settlement from the colonial period
- German Immigration - German immigrants established communities, especially in the Belleville/St. Louis metro area
- Mining Communities - Coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought diverse immigrant groups
Unique Research Challenges
Southern Illinois genealogy presents specific challenges:
- Early Records - Some counties have records dating to the early 1800s, but early records may be incomplete or damaged
- County Formation - Understanding which counties existed when your ancestors lived there is crucial, as county boundaries changed frequently
- Migration Patterns - Families often moved between southern Illinois counties or back and forth to Kentucky/Missouri
- Civil War Impact - Southern Illinois had divided loyalties during the Civil War, affecting families and records
- Courthouse Fires - Some counties experienced courthouse fires that destroyed early records
Southern Illinois Counties
The Society's service area encompasses numerous counties in southern Illinois, including:
Southern Tier Counties:
- Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Williamson (far southern counties)
South-Central Counties:
- Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Marion, Perry, Richland, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White (mid-southern tier)
Metro East (St. Louis Area):
- Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair (Mississippi River counties opposite St. Louis)
Research Resources & Strategies
Key Research Repositories:
- County Courthouses - Vital records, land records, probate, court records
- County Historical Societies - Local archives, photographs, genealogical files
- Local Libraries - Genealogy rooms, local history collections
- Illinois State Archives (Springfield) - State and county records
- Southern Illinois University - Special collections, regional history
- FamilySearch Centers - Microfilm and digital resources
Important Record Types:
- Land Records - Early settlers often appear first in land records; General Land Office records available online
- Cemetery Records - Many cemetery transcription projects for southern Illinois counties
- Church Records - Baptist, Methodist, and other denominations kept records; Catholic records important in French-settled areas
- Newspapers - Many southern Illinois newspapers available on microfilm
- Census Records - Federal censuses starting 1810 for oldest counties; mortality schedules; agricultural schedules
- Military Records - War of 1812, Black Hawk War, Mexican War, Civil War service records
Society Programs & Services
Member Support:
The Society provides various services to assist genealogical researchers:
- Sharing research experience and strategies
- Connecting researchers working on same families
- Advice on accessing southern Illinois records
- Information on local research repositories
- Guidance on interpreting records and solving problems
Educational Programs:
- Workshops on genealogical research methods
- Presentations on Southern Illinois history
- Instruction on using specific record types
- Technology training for online research
- DNA testing for genealogy
Publications & Resources:
The Society may publish or share:
- Newsletters with research tips and success stories
- Family histories and genealogies
- Cemetery transcriptions
- Research guides for specific counties
- Index projects making records more accessible
Membership Information
Who Should Join:
- Anyone researching Southern Illinois ancestry
- Genealogists working on families from the region
- History enthusiasts interested in Southern Illinois heritage
- Individuals who want to support genealogical research
Membership Benefits:
- Connection with others researching Southern Illinois
- Access to experienced researchers
- Educational programs and workshops
- Publications and resources
- Research assistance and guidance
- Networking opportunities
Contributing Your Research:
Members are encouraged to share:
- Family genealogies and histories
- Cemetery readings and transcriptions
- Abstracts of records
- Photographs and biographical information
- Research tips and discoveries
Getting Started with Southern Illinois Research
Before You Begin:
- Organize What You Know - Document known facts about your Southern Illinois ancestors
- Identify Counties - Determine which counties your family lived in and when
- Learn County History - Understand county formation and boundary changes
- Check Record Availability - Determine what records exist and where they're located
- Plan Your Research - Develop a strategy based on available resources
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Assuming Northern Illinois research strategies work the same in Southern Illinois
- Overlooking Kentucky and Missouri connections
- Ignoring migration patterns and family movements
- Not understanding Southern Illinois cultural differences
- Failing to check multiple counties due to boundary changes
Discover Your Southern Illinois Roots
Use the When It Was app to explore historical locations throughout Southern Illinois. See the communities where your ancestors lived and worked.
Explore When It Was →