Clark County, Illinois Genealogy

United States

Illinois

Clark County

Guide to Clark County, Illinois ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

Illinois Online Genealogy Records

Clark County, Illinois
Map
Location in the state of Illinois, United States Genealogy
Location of Illinois in the U.S.
Facts
Founded:	March 23, 1819
County Seat	Marshall
Courthouse
Photo courtesy Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD), Illinois State Archives
Address	Clark County Courthouse 501 Archer Avenue Marshall, Illinois 62441 (217) 826-8311 Clark County Website

Clark County Organization

Known Beginning Dates for Major County Records
Birth*	Marriage	Death*	Court	Land	Probate	Census
1877	1819	1877	1821	1818	1820	1810
*Statewide registration for births and deaths started 1916. General compliance by 1922.

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

Historical Facts

Clark County is named for George Rogers Clark who was a Colonel of the Virginia militia and established Colonial control in the Illinois area by the capture of Kaskaskia and Fort Vincennes.

Description

The county was named for George Rogers Clark (older brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition), an officer of the army of Virginia that captured the Northwest Territory from the British during the Revolutionary War. The County Seat is Marshall and was founded 1819. It is located in the Central area of the state.

Boundary Changes

• 22 March 1819: Clark County was created from Crawford County. '

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

1902 Some records were lost or damaged in a fire on December 30.

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

Populated Places

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:

Cities
Casey‡	Marshall (county seat)	Martinsville
Towns
Westfield
Unincorporated communities
Adenmoor Allright Castle Fin Choctaw Clark Center Clarksville Cleaone Darwin Dennison Doyles	Ernst Farrington Golf Lakes Hogue Town Livingston McKeen Melrose Moonshine Moriah Neadmore	Oak Point Oakcrest Oilfield Orange Patton‡ Snyder Walnut Prairie Weaver Weir York
Census-designated places
West Union
Townships
Anderson Auburn Casey Darwin Dolson	Douglas Johnson Marshall Martinsville Melrose	Orange Parker Wabash Westfield York
Ghost towns
Griffin

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

Records and Resources

Biography

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

Cemeteries

Cemeteries of Clark, Illinois online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online	Findagrave.com ILGenWeb ILGenWeb Archives Tombstone Project Billion Graves
TombstoneTranscriptions in Print (Often more complete)	Family History Library WorldCat
List of Cemeteries in the County	Findagrave.com Billion Graves Graveyards of Illinois FamilySearch Places
See Illinois Cemeteries for more information

Census

Federal

Historical populations
Census	Pop.	%±
1820	931	—
1830	3,940	323.2%
1840	7,453	89.2%
1850	9,532	27.9%
1860	14,987	57.2%
1870	18,709	24.8%
1880	21,894	17.0%
1890	21,899	0.0%
1900	24,033	9.7%
1910	23,517	−2.1%
1920	21,165	−10.0%
1930	17,872	−15.6%
1940	18,842	5.4%
1950	17,362	−7.9%
1960	16,546	−4.7%
1970	16,216	−2.0%
1980	16,913	4.3%
1990	15,921	−5.9%
2000	17,008	6.8%
2010	16,335	−4.0%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".

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. FHL 973 X2pc 1840; FHL 2321; digital version at Google Books. [See Illinois, Clark County on page 186.]

Church History and Records

List of Churches and Church Parishes

• FamilySearch Places

Church records can give birth, death and marriage information as well as indictate family relationships. See Illinois state wiki article Church Records for more ideas about how to use church records in your research.

• The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois has a Clark County edition. Internet Archive. Free Digital Copy. Local church history is found in the church history chapter beginning on page 670. For addtional available copies, see the wiki article Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois.
• Gertrude S. Wheeler. Illinois, Clark County Genealogical Records: Bible, Cemetery, Church, Family. Manuscript with film. Other Libraries (WordCat) FHL film 982320 Item 1; FHL Book 977.371 V2d
• Zschau, Ellen Rowe. A Collection of Histories of theCchurches of Clark County, Illinois. Marshall, Ill. : Clark County Genealogical Society, 1978.Other Libraries (WorldCat)
• Clark County Church Directory courtesty of Genealogy Trails

Methodist

• Dolson Chapel Methodist Church Courtesy of USGenWeb.  Church history, lists some members.
• Plymouth Methodist Church  Courtesy of Rootsweb. Church history, lists some members.
• 1883 Report of Melrose Sunday School Convention. Courtesy of Rootsweb. Member lists
  

Methodist Episcopal

• Wesley Chapel Courtesy of Illinois GenWeb. Church history, lists some members.

Presbyterian

• Baliff Church  Courtesy of Illinois GenWeb. Church history, lists some pastors.

United Brethren

• Histories of Former E.U.B. and United Methodist Churches, Rural Areas, Casey, Illinois. Manuscript. 1978. Other Libraries (WorldCat)
  

Ethnic Research

African American

The following have information concerning African American research.

•  African American Genealogy (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

History

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

Land and Property

Illinois Land and Property for more information.

1818-present The original land and property records for Clark County are held by the County Clerk.  The following copies are available: 

• 1818–1890 Deed Indexes. FHL Film 1306063–1306067
• 1816–1933 Deed Records. Indexes included in some volumes. FHL Film 1316997 first of 32 films
• 1821–1930 Deed Records. Indexes included in some volumes. FHL Film 1314947 first of 35 films
• [No land and property record holdings noted in IRAD-EIU Clark County Listing.] Search for Clark County records. Information about how to use IRAD
• Garver, Mazie M. Extract of Land Grant Record for Clark County, Illinois. Typescript. FHL Film 1036682 Item 1; FHl Book 977.371 R2c

Online Resources

• 1800s – Present - Use the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land Patent Index to obtain original federal land transfer records, including homestead, military warrants, and cash entry patents. These records help a researcher establish location and lead to National Archives’ records which may include genealogical information. Earlier land transfer records are at the National Archives.
• Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales See Illinois Land and Property for more information about this database. Also available at Ancestry ($)
• 1796–1907 U.S. General Land Office Records found at Ancestry.com ($)
• Clark County Federal Township Plats
• Clark County Land & Deed Records

Maps

Click a neighboring county
for more resources

• Maps of Illinois (1788-1940)

• 1892, 1947 Clark County Platbook. Courtesy of Rootsweb.
• Clark County Federal Township Plats
• Rockford Map Publishers.  Land Atlas & Plat Book, Clark County, Illinois, 1979. Rockford, Illinois: Rockford Map Publishers, 1967. Other Libraries (WorldCat)FHL Book 977.371 E7c

• FamilySearch Places:Cities and Towns- How to Use FS Places

Military History and Records

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

Civil War

Civil War service men from Clark 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 Clark County.

- 10th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Companies G and H.

- 21st Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company H.

- 30th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company F.

- 62nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company C.

- 70th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company G.

- 79th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Companies F and I.

- 123rd Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Companies E, F, and G.

- 130th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, Company K.

- 152nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry (1 year, 1865), Company G.

Naturalization and Citizenship

Online Records

• 1800-1998 - Illinois, County Naturalization Records, 1800-1998 at FamilySearch — index and images

Newspapers and Obituaries

The Clark County Public Library has a list of newspapers available for genealogy research here

• Selected Clark County Obituaries. Courtesy of Rootsweb.
• Wabash Valley Obituary Index.  Sponsored by the Vigo County Indiana Library.

Probate Records

Online Probate 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

• See Illinois Probate Records for more information.

Original probate records are usually held by the circuit court clerk.  Probate records include wills, inventories, settlements, and guardianship records. The following copies are available:

• 1840–1976 Probate,Will, Guardian, Conservator and Chancery Records. FHL Film 1308123–1308129
• 1841–1847 Garver, Mazie M. Probate Record Journal, Vol. 3, 1841 to 1847. Marshall, Illinois: Clark County Genealogical Society (Illinois), 1975. Other Libraries (WorldCat) FHL Book 977.371 P2g

Repositories

County Courthouse

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

Family History Centers

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.

• Family History Center and Affiliate Library Locator

Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries
There are over 4500 Introduction to Family History Centers worldwide which serve as branch facilities of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Volunteers provide research assistance to help patrons identify their ancestors. Microfilm and microfiche may be available at your local Family History Center. Locate your nearest Family History Center at the FamilySearch website.  Call ahead to verify operating hours. All are welcome.

The following centers are accessible to residents of Clark County, Illinois:

Danville Illinois Family History Center
1941 N Bowman Ave
Danville, Vermilion, Illinois
Phone: 217-446-5887
Hours: Sat 9:30 am-2 pm

Linton Indiana Family History Center
1000 W Lone Tree Rd
Linton, Greene, Indiana
Phone: 812-847-9044
Hours: Wed. 6-9 pm, Sat 9-2

Terre Haute Indiana Family History Center
1845 N 6 1/2 St
Terre Haute, Vigo, Indiana
Phone: 812-234-0269
Hours: Tue 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Closed: Mondays after 6:00 p.m., all major holidays, inclement weather, whenever Vigo school are on delays or early dismissals.
Attention: The Center is also available by appointment with a Family History Consultant.

Vincennes Indiana Family History Center
1940 N Old Hwy 41
Vincennes, Knox, Indiana
Phone: 812-882-4022
Hours: T, Thu 9am-12:30pm, 5pm-8:30pm
Closed: Closed 1 1/2 weeks for Christmas

Please note: Addresses posted are not mailing addresses. Due to limited staff, Family History Centers are unable to respond to mail inquiries

Clark County Genealogical Library

521 Locust Street
Marshall ,IL 62441
1–217–826-2864

The Clark County Genealogical Library is open Thur, Fri and Sat from 12:30pm to 3pm. They have extensive newspaper records, most of the extracts have been indexed. They also have an incredible selection of family histories, the majority of which are also indexed. They have a shelf on cemeteries of the county and listings of burials up to around 1972. Censuses are indexed, too. The ladies manning the place can help direct you to family histories for specific names. The library is located on the south side of the courthouse square in Marshall. It faces the courthouse.

Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)

The Illinois State Archives administers a system of Illinois Regional Archives Depositories (IRAD) to manage the archival records of local governments.  Local governments which have transferred records to the regional depositories include counties, townships, municipalities, and school districts.  The records of Clark County come under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Illinois University (EIU) regional depository.
Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD)
Booth Library
Eastern Illinois University (EIU)
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
Telephone: (217) 581-6093

Hours: Monday – Friday, except state holidays
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Note: The depository is staffed by graduate student interns. Because of class scheduling conflicts, hours may vary somewhat from the published schedule. Researchers are urged to call before planning a visit.

Libraries

Casey Twp. Library
307 E Main
Casey, IL 62420
Phone: 1–217–932–2105

Marshall Public Library
612 Archer Avenue
Marshall, IL 62441
Phone: 1–217–826–2535
This library holds microfilm of all local newspapers since the Civil War.

Martinsville Public Library District
120 E. Cumberland St.
Martinsville, IL 62442
Phone: 1–217–382–4113

West Union District Library
209 W. Union Street
West Union, IL 62477
Phone: 1–217–279–3556

Societies

Clark County Genealogical Society
521 Locust St
Marshall, IL 62441
Telephone Number: 217-826-2864
Website

Clark County Il Historical Society and Museum
402 S 4th Street
Marshall, IL
Telephone Number: 217-826-2252
Website
Facebook
The Clark County Historical Society buildings are open each Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m.

Clark County Genealogical Society
309 Maple Street
Box 153
Marshall 62441

Vital Records

Illinois Vital Records for more information. See also How to order Illinois Vital Records or order electronically online.

Births

1877–present  The original Clark County birth records 1877- present are housed in the office of the County Clerk. The following copies are available:

• 1877-1906 Birth Record - IRAD-EIU Search for Clark County records. How to use IRAD
• 1877-1913 Birth Record Index – IRAD-EIU Search for Clark County records.

Marriages

• 1819–present The original Clark County marriage records 1819-present are housed in the office of the County Clerk. The following copies are available:

• 1819–1899 Marriage Record - IRAD-EIU Search for Clark County records. How to use IRAD

The following abstracts and indexes are available:

• 1587-1959 - Illinois, United States Marriages at FindMyPast — index $
• 1805-1985 Illinois, Church Marriages, 1805-1985 at FamilySearch — index
• 1810–1934 Illinois, County Marriages, 1810-1934 at FamilySearch — index and images
• 1833-1889 Illinois, Civil Marriages, 1833-1889 at FamilySearch — index
• 1819–1838 Early Marriages, Book 1. Courtesy of Genealogy Trails.
• 1819–1900 Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900 (1848-June 1899 for Clark County)
• 1819–1850 Early Marriage Index. Courtesy of Rootsweb. Alphabetical by groom.
• 1819–1850 Illinois Marriages Ancestry ($)
  
• 1851–1900 Illinois Marriages Ancestry ($)

Deaths

1877–present The original Clark County death records 1877-present are housed in the office of the County Clerk. The following copies are available:

• 1877–1911 Death Record - IRAD-EIU Search for Clark County records. How to use IRAD
• 1877–1911 Death Record Index - IRAD-EIU Search for Clark County records.

The following abstracts are available:

• 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 (Dec 1877-Jan 1911 for Clark County)
• 1916–1950 Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950 (1916-1950 for Clark County)
• 1800's Clark County Deaths reported in newspapers. Courtesy of Illinois GenWeb.
• 1800's Clark County Deaths Extracted from "The Herald".Courtesy of Illinois GenWeb.
  

Websites

Databases pertinent to Clark County

• Clark County, IL History, Records, Facts and Genealogy
• Clark County IL Genealogy
• Illinois Genealogy Network Group on Facebook
• Local Governmental Records Database IRAD
• Name Index to Illinois Local Governments IRAD
• USGenWeb project for Clark County, Illinois
• Clark County, IllinoisGenealogy and Family History (Linkpendium)

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