Since the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society was founded in 1978, the Society has issued a monthly newsletter appropriately titled The Monthly. This index documents every mention of a surname in the 1978-2020 issues. The index will be expanded further in the coming years.
Whether you’re conducting research online or using the Ehrlicher Research Center Library, these essential records & indexes will provide information and guidance.
Note: Some searches may be limited to Society Members only.
1830-1929 Deeds Collection
The Tazewell County Deed Collection contains original deeds, titles, and mortgages from 1830-1929. This information has been recorded at the Tazewell County Recorder’s Office. However, the collection does not contain all records for this time frame. Search our index to see if we have your ancestor’s deed!
1869-1950 Marriages Collection
Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society (TCGHS) has scanned the original returned 1869-1950 marriage licenses which were in storage at the Tazewell County courthouse.
TCGHS members can search our online index to see if we have their ancestor’s marriage license!
1877-1950 Death Records Collection
Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society (TCGHS) has scanned the original returned 1877-1950 death certficates which were in storage at the Tazewell County courthouse.
TCGHS members can search our online index to see if we have their ancestor’s death certificate!
Clark’s Business Journal
Jonathan Gilson Clark ran a a general store (possibly a trading post) in Pekin in the early 1830s. He sold many of the basic goods needed for daily living.
Many of his customers were founding settlers of Pekin & Tazewell County—familiar names like Dillon, Tharp, Rynerson, and Woodrow. Search our index to see if your ancestor was a customer!
Clipping Collections
Before the advent of the Internet, one of the main sources of community news was the local newspaper. It was not uncommon for folks to keep clippings of newspaper articles of interest as a hobby.
TCGHS has collected clippings since the Society’s inception in 1978. Other collections have been donated over the years.
Search this online index to see if your ancestors were mentioned!
Hopedale-Tremont School Register
Only a few pages were found of the Hopedale-Tremont School Ledger Book 1862-1868. Each year contains an attendance list for all students. Some years have a scholarship list for each subject and/or a list of student deportment.
Marriage Applications 2020 On
Starting in 2020, Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society (TCGHS) is receiving the same daily feed of Marriage License Applications from the Tazewell County Clerk as is sent to local newspapers for publication.
TCGHS Members may search this list.
Marriage Dissolutions (Divorces) Granted 2021 On
Starting in 2021, Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society (TCGHS) is receiving the same daily feed of Marriage Dissolutions (Divorces) Granted from the Tazewell County Clerk as is sent to local newspapers for publication.
TCGHS Members may search this list.
Mundy’s Blacksmith Shop
William and Eunice Mundy were among the first settlers of Green Valley, Illinois. In the 1850s, William opened one of the town’s first businesses, a blacksmith and harness shop, at the northwest corner of Main and Church Streets.
We have a copy of William’s shop account book, which documents his business transactions from November 1853 through May 9, 1871. Search our index to see if your ancestor was a customer!
Schneider School Hopedale Township
In the 1891, 1910, and 1929 Tazewell County Atlases, Schneider School is shown in the SW quarter of Section 20 of Hopedale Township on the J. H. Schneider property.
The school was listed in the Educational Directories of Tazewell County through the 1939-1940 school year. In the following years the directory simply says “No School”.
This Register is probably the last one for the school since it ends in 1940.
Second Reformed Church
Pekin’s Second Reformed Church was organized July 26, 1874, by a group of German immigrants. Some sources indicate there were 15 charter members but the church’s website stated 54.
In the two years before the church’s construction, the members. under Rev. Klaus Wieland’s pastoral care, met in various homes and buildings. The sessions were conducted in German.
Sadly, after 145 years, low congregation numbers led to the decision to disband the church. The historic Second Reformed Church held its last service on November 24, 2019.
The online index covers the 1876-1945 records.
