Pulaski County, Illinois Genealogy
Guide to Pulaski County, Illinois ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
| Pulaski County, Illinois | |
| Map | |
| |
 Location of Illinois in the U.S. | |
| Facts | |
| Founded: | March 3, 1843 |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Mound City |
| Courthouse | |
 | |
| Address | Pulaski County Courthouse P.O. Box 218 Mound City, Illinois 62963 (618) 748-9360 Pulaski County Website |
Contents
- 1 Pulaski County Organization
- 2 Historical Facts
- 3 Parent County
- 4 Boundary Changes
- 5 Record Loss
- 6 Places / Localities
- 7 Records and Resources
- 7.1 Biography
- 7.2 Cemeteries
- 7.3 Census
- 7.4 Church Records
- 7.5 Court Records
- 7.6 Ethnic Research
- 7.7 Genealogy
- 7.8 History
- 7.9 Land and Property
- 7.10 Maps
- 7.11 Military
- 7.12 Naturalization
- 7.13 Newspapers and Obituaries
- 7.14 Probate Records
- 7.15 Repositories
- 7.16 Social Groups Online
- 7.17 Societies
- 7.18 Taxation
- 7.19 Vital Records
- 8 Websites
- 9 References
Pulaski County Organization[edit | edit source]
| Birth* | Marriage | Death* | Court | Land | Probate | Census |
| 1866 | 1861 | 1882 | 1857 | 1843 | 1862 | 1810 |
County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Pulaski County are kept, see the Pulaski County Courthouse page.
Historical Facts[edit | edit source]
Pulaski county was named for Count Casimir Pulaski who emigrated from Poland and was killed fighting on the side of the patriots in the American Revolution. He saved the life of George Washington and is one of only seven people awarded honorary United States citizenship.
Parent County[edit | edit source]
Description[edit | edit source]
The county was named for Kazimierz Pulaski who was killed at the Siege of Savannah in the Revolutionary War. The county seat is Mound City and the county was organized on 1843. The County is located in the South Central area of the state.[3]
Boundary Changes[edit | edit source]
For animated maps illustrating Illinois county boundary changes, "Rotating Formation Illinois County Boundary Maps" (1790-1869) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.
Record Loss[edit | edit source]
1879 A fire burned the courthouse on 22 November and most records were destroyed.
1837 Some records were damaged by a flood.
For suggestions about research in places that suffered historic record losses, see:
- Burned Counties. By Michael John Neill at 24-7 Family History Circle.
- When the Records are Gone. By Arlene Eakle at Arlene Eakle's Tennessee Blog.
- Burned Counties Research in the FamilySearch Research Wiki.
Places / Localities[edit | edit source]
Populated Places[edit | edit source]
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[4]
| Cities | ||
| Villages | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
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|
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Neighboring Illinois Counties[edit | edit source]
Alexander · Johnson · Massac · Union
Neighboring Kentucky Counties[edit | edit source]
Ballard · McCracken
Records and Resources[edit | edit source]
Biography[edit | edit source]
Cemeteries[edit | edit source]
The following web sites have additional information on Pulaski county cemeteries.
- Confederate Burials in Mound City National Cemetery, courtesy: Illinois in the Civil War
- Pulaski Ill. Afrigeneas Cemetery Listing, courtesy: Afrigeneas
- Mound City National Cemetery, courtesy: United States Department of Veteran Affairs (nationwide search)
- Mound City National Cemetery, courtesy: Interment
- Calvin-Barber Cemetery courtesy of DebDavis.org foundation.
- Mount Zion Cemetery courtesy of DebDavis.org foundation.
- Ranney Hill Cemetery courtesy of DebDavis.org foundation.
Census[edit | edit source]
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± |
| 1850 | 2,265 | — |
| 1860 | 3,943 | 74.1% |
| 1870 | 8,752 | 122.0% |
| 1880 | 9,507 | 8.6% |
| 1890 | 11,355 | 19.4% |
| 1900 | 14,554 | 28.2% |
| 1910 | 15,650 | 7.5% |
| 1920 | 14,629 | −6.5% |
| 1930 | 14,834 | 1.4% |
| 1940 | 15,875 | 7.0% |
| 1950 | 13,639 | −14.1% |
| 1960 | 10,490 | −23.1% |
| 1970 | 8,741 | −16.7% |
| 1980 | 8,840 | 1.1% |
| 1990 | 7,523 | −14.9% |
| 2000 | 7,348 | −2.3% |
| 2010 | 6,161 | −16.2% |
| Source: "Wikipedia.org". | ||
For tips on accessing census records online, see Illinois Census.
Church Records[edit | edit source]
List of Churches and Church Parishes
A chapter on Pulaski County, Illinois church history appears in a local history, available for online at Ancestry.com ($), beginning on page 56.
Histories of several Pulaski County churches are included in:
- Atherton, Wanda L. et al. Pulaski County, Illinois Genealogy Notes. 2 vols. Carterville, Ill.: Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois, 1988, c1988-c1992. FHL Book 977.3998 D3a v. 1-v. 2.
- Badgley, Glenna Conant. Ohio Chapel Church History. Ill.: G.C. Badgley, 1982. WorldCat (Other Libraries)
Baptist[edit | edit source]
- Plummer, Virginia Hagler. History of Shiloh Baptist Church, Villa Ridge, Illinois. Villa Ridge, Ill.: Shiloh Baptist Church, 1987. WorldCat (Other Libraries)
- Maple Grove Baptist Church (Perks, Ill.) Records, 1896-1941. WorldCat (Other Libraries)
Catholic[edit | edit source]
FamilySearch has made parish records from three Belleville Diocese Catholic churches in Pulaski County available online. The records include first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths:
- Church Records of St. Catherine Parish, Grand Chain, Pulaski County, Illinois 1896-1955, browsable online (no index); courtesy: FamilySearch.
- Church Records of St. Joseph Parish, Wetaug, Pulaski County, Illinois 1881-1925, browsable online (no index); courtesy: FamilySearch.
- Church Records of St. Mary Parish, Mound City, Pulaski County, Illinois 1864-1957, browsable online (no index); courtesy: FamilySearch.
- "Benedictine Fathers at Wetaug, or, The Cluny Priory," Tri-County Record, ca. 1932-1933. FHL Film 960440 Item 3.
Christian
[edit | edit source]
- Angel, Mrs. O.L. Grain Chain, Illinois, Christian Church. Typescript. Microfilmed 1974: FHL Film 960440 Item 4.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[edit | edit source]
Ward and Branch Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Mound
Disciples of Christ[edit | edit source]
History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois, Pulaski County section appears on page 364 is available online, courtesy: Internet Archive
[edit | edit source]
- Hough, Mrs. Frances L. The History of Pulaski County Episcopal Church, available online, courtesy: Genealogy Trails.
Court Records[edit | edit source]
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 Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) located at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Pulaski County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the SIU IRAD Wiki page.
- 1857–1945 Circuit court index IRAD (SIU)
- 1900–1945 Circuit court record, Chancery IRAD (SIU)
Ethnic Research[edit | edit source]
African American[edit | edit source]
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
- Levins Cemetery, courtesy: Afrigeneas
- Masonic Cemetery, courtesy: Afrigeneas
Genealogy[edit | edit source]
History[edit | edit source]
- Every Name Index to History of Alexander, Union and Pulaski Counties, Illinois. Every Name Index compiled by Cathy L. O'Connor, 2010. Original text written by William Henry Perrin, published by O.L. Baskin & Co., 1883, reproduction by Unigraphic, Inc., 1969. EveryNameIndex.com
Local Histories[edit | edit source]
The online Shawnee Community College Local History Project includes dozens of personal interviews, newspaper clippings, and even a Jackson Family Bible to give you a taste of historic Pulaski County. Was your relative one of the interviewed individuals?
- Wall, J. L. Moyers' Brief History of Pulaski County: 1843-1943. Mound City, Ill.: The Pulaski Enterprise, 1990. Digital version at Ancestry ($).
Land and Property[edit | edit source]
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 Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Pulaski County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the SIU IRAD Wiki page.
Online Resources
- Beginning 1820 Land Patent Search See Illinois Land and Property for more information about this database.
- Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database
- 1796–1907 U.S. General Land Office Records found at Ancestry.com ($)
- Illinois Public Land Purchase Records This record extract includes over 538,000 land sales from the 19th Century. Each entry includes the purchaser's name, purchase date, number of acres, price per acre, and in some cases the purchaser's sex and residence. Available at www.ancestry.com ($)
- Pulaski County Federal Township Plats
Copies of original records
- 1873–1891 Grantee and Grantor index FHL films 960371
- 1843–1888 Deeds FHL films 960372–83
- Selected land records FHL film 963962 Item 8
- 1978 Rockford Map Publishers. Atlas & plat book, Pulaski - Alexander County, Illinois, 1978 Rockford, Illinois: Rockford Map Publishers, 1962. Other libraries (WorldCat) FHL book 977.399 E7p
- 1873–1945 Deed Index IRAD (SIU)
- 1842–1945 Deed record IRAD (SIU)
- 1940–1944 Recorder's miscellaneous record IRAD (SIU)
- 1851–1940 Surveyor's record IRAD (SIU)
Maps[edit | edit source]
for more resources
- Maps of Illinois (1788-1940)
- Township Map of 1870 Pulaski County, Illinois with numerous small settlements. (My Genealogy Hound)
- FamilySearch Places:Cities and Towns- How to Use FS Places
Military[edit | edit source]
Civil War[edit | edit source]
Civil War service men from Pulaski 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 Pulaski County.
- - 9th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company K.
- - 31st Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company F.
- - 81st Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company I.
- -109th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company K.
- - 144th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company F.
Naturalization[edit | edit source]
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 Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Franklin County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the SIU IRAD Wiki page.
- 1872–1903 Naturalization record IRAD (SIU)
Online Records
- 1800-1998 - Illinois, County Naturalization Records, 1800-1998 at FamilySearch — index and images
Newspapers and Obituaries[edit | edit source]
Probate Records[edit | edit source]
Online Probate Indexes and Records
- 1772 - 1999 Illinois Wills and Probate Records 1772-1999 at Ancestry.com — index and images $
- 1819 - 1988 Illinois Probate Records 1819-1988 at FamilySearch.org — images
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 Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Pulaski County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the SIU IRAD Wiki page.
Copies of original records
- 1862–1973 Index to probate files FHL film 1000370
- 1862–1890Probate journals FHL film 960441–2
- 1862–1944 Probate record IRAD (SIU)
- 1898–1956 Probate will record IRAD (SIU)
Repositories[edit | edit source]
County Courthouse[edit | edit source]
County records are most often kept at the County Courthouse or another local repository. For further information about where the records for Pulaski County are kept, see the Pulaski County Courthouse page.
Family History Center[edit | edit source]
Family History Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local Family History Centers or Affiliate Libraries
- Family History Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
- FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a family history center.
Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries
Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)[edit | edit source]
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. Southern Illinois University houses the records for Pulaski County.
Public Libraries[edit | edit source]
Social Groups Online[edit | edit source]
Societies[edit | edit source]
- Olmsted Historical Society
PO Box 64
Olmsted, IL 62970-0064
Taxation[edit | edit source]
Vital Records[edit | edit source]
See Illinois Vital Records for more information about Vital records in Illinois. See also How to order Illinois Vital Records or order electronically online.
Vital records consist of birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Original birth and death certificates recorded until the year 1916 are kept by the Pulaski 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 Southern Illinois University (SIU) - search for Pulaski County records. For information on how to use IRAD see the SIU IRAD Wiki page.
Birth[edit | edit source]
Abstracts
- 1883-1899 Birth Records, 1883-1899, Pulaski County, Illinois donated by Darrel Dexter and transcribed by Sharon Darnell, courtesy of Genealogy Trails.
- '1881-1899 Delayed Birth Records, 1881-1899, Pulaski County, Illinois Donated by Darrel Dexter and transcribed by Sharon Darnell, courtesy of Genealogy Trails.
- 1882-1899 Stillbirth Records, 1882-1899, Pulaski County, Illinois donated by Darrel Dexter and transcribed by Sharon Darnell, courtesy of Genealogy Trails.
Copies of Original Birth Records
- 1882–1918 Birth Record FHL film 960484 and 960487
- 1882–1926 Birth record IRAD (SIU)
Marriage[edit | edit source]
Online Resources
- 1587-1959 - Illinois, United States Marriages at FindMyPast — index $
- 1763-1900 Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900
- 1790–1860 Illinois Marriage index found at Ancestry.com ($)
- 1805-1985 Illinois, Church Marriages, 1805-1985 at FamilySearch — index
- 1810-1934 Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934 at FamilySearch — index
- 1833-1889 Illinois, Civil Marriages, 1833-1889 at FamilySearch — index
Copies of original Marriage Records
- 1872–1923 Marriage index FHL film 960485
- 1923–1936 Marriage register indexFHL film 960485
- 1857; 1861–1922 Marriage register FHL film 960486
- 1861–1947 Marriage record IRAD (SIU)
Death[edit | edit source]
Online Resources
- 1749-1999 Illinois Deaths and Burials, 1749-1999 at FamilySearch — index, some images
- 1850-1880 Illinois Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880 at FamilySearch — index and images
- Pre-1916 Illinois Statewide Death Index, Pre-1916
- 1916-1950 Database of Illinois Death Certificates, 1916-1950
- 1850-1885 U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885found at Ancestry.com ($)
Abstracts
- 1883-1899 Death Records, 1883-1899, Pulaski County, Illinois donated by Darrel Dexter and transcribed by Sharon Darnell, courtesy Genealogy Trails.
Copies of original Death Records
- 1882-1919 Death record FHL film 960484 and 960487
- 1882-1926 Death record IRAD (SIU)
- 1882-1929 Death record, stillbirths IRAD (SIU)
- 1883-1883 Coroner's inquest record IRAD (SIU)
Websites[edit | edit source]
- Pulaski County, IL History, Records, Facts and Genealogy
- Illinois Genealogy Network Group on Facebook
- Pulaski County Genealogy and History (Genealogy Trails)
- Pulaski County IL Genealogy
- FamilySearch Catalog
- Pulaski County, Illinois Genealogy and Family History (Linkpendium)
- EveryNameIndex.com Free online genealogy indexes for those big old county histories.
- Pulaski County Illinois HOME OF THE GRAND CHAIN GANG Ancestry and History Research
- Black Migration to Pulaski County, Illinois 1860-1900Illinois Historical
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Pulaski County, Illinois. Page 192-199 At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 973 D27e 2002; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 194-197.
- ↑ The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America,10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).
- ↑ Genealogy Trails History Group, “Pulaski County, Illinois Genealogy and History”, http://genealogytrails.com/ill/pulaski/ accessed 04/19/2017.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Pulaski County, Illinois," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulaski_County,_Illinois, accessed 16 March 2020.
