Henry County was created on January 13, 1825 (Laws, 1825, p. 94) and was formed from unorganized land (Fulton County). County organization was completed in 1837. Attached to Schuyler County
(1825–1831) then to Knox County
(1831–1837), some records
may be found here during these dates. County organization
was completed in 1837. Present area, or parts of it, formerly included in: Attached to Knox County [Laws, 1831, p. 63] (1831–1837), Attached to Schuyler County [Laws, 1825, p. 95] (1825–1831), Putnam County (1825–1831), JoDaviess County (1827–1831), Fulton County (1823–1825), Pike County (1821–1823), Madison County (1812–1821) and St. Clair County (1801–1812).
The County was named for Patrick Henry, a lawyer, orator and statesman of the Revolutionary period, a member of the Continental Congress, and Governor of Virginia. The County Seat is Cambridge . Prior County Seats was Richmond (1837–1839), Geneseo—Temporarily appointed to house records (1839–1840), Morristown (1840–1843) and Cambridge (1843–Present). See also County History for more historical details.
Township Government Adopted on November 4, 1856. Henry County Townships include Alba (Name changed from
Elba on April 13, 1857), Andover, Annawan, Atkinson, Burns, Cambridge, Clover (Name
changed from Ashnelet), Colona (Name
changed from Green River on April 13, 1857), Cornwall, Edford, Galva, Geneseo, Hanna, Kewanee, Loraine, Lynn (Name
changed from Linn Grove to Lynnville on April 13, 1857
and to Lynn), Munson (Name
changed from Centre on April 13, 1857), Osco (Name
changed from Essex on April 13, 1857), Oxford, Phoenix, Weller, Western (Name
changed from Orion on April 13, 1857), Wethersfield, Yorktown Townships
Cities, Towns and Communities include Alpha, Andover, Annawan, Atkinson, Bishop Hill, Cambridge, Cleveland, Coal Valley (partial), Colona, Galva, Geneseo, Hooppole, Kewanee, Orion, Woodhull
PLEASE READ!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information.
The Official County website is located at http://www.henrycty.com/. All departments below at located at the Henry County Courthouse, 100 S. Main, Cambridge, IL 61238 , unless a different address is listed below. NOTE: The record dates below are from the earliest date to present time.
Henry County Circuit Court Clerk has Probate Records from 1839 and Court Records from 1837 and is located at the address above. Phone Number: (309)
937-3572 The Clerk of the Circuit Court, commonly known as the Circuit Clerk, is the keeper of the files and records of the Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk works at the direction of Circuit Court, Appellate Court and Supreme Court of Illinois and is mandated to follow and enforce the laws of the State of Illinois. The Circuit Clerk's Office processes all documents in criminal law, chancery, support, probate, adoption, juvenile, drainage, local improvement, mental, small claims, traffic, ordinance violations, prepares appeals to the higher court, issues passports, summons jurors, tax deeds and handles approximately ten million dollars in costs, fines, restitution, investments and support each year. The Office also issues summonses, writs, attachments, subpoenas and all other tasks as mandated by the courts.
Henry County Recorder has Land Records from 1836 and is located at the courthouse. Phone Number: (309)
937-3585 The County Recorder of Deeds serves the people of County by receiving, filing and maintaining all records related to real property in our county. These documents range from all types of conveyance deeds, mortgages, releases and assignments, property liens, as well as, assorted federal, state and local liens. The Recorder’s office is responsible for the recordation and storage of plats of subdivision, land surveys and monument records. Many other types of miscellaneous documents are recorded, such as; foreign birth certificates, foreign marriage licenses, and military discharge paperwork to name a few.
Henry County Clerk has Birth / Death Records from 1877 and Marriage Records from 1837 and is located at the courthouse. Phone Number: (309) 937-3481 The County Clerk maintains records and issues certificates of vital statistics (birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates) for the entire County.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Henry County Court Records by clicking the link below:
Illinois Immigration & Emigration Records - Immigration records help the family historian to understand the movements of their ancestry as they relocated to different parts of the world.
Click Here to Search Illinois Birth, Marriage & Death Records! - Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information. Look also for baptism, christening, and burial records in this collection.
Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 605 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62702-5097. It can take up to 6 weeks to get a vital record from Illinois.
A number of resources are available for individuals doing genealogical research using vital records filed in the state of Illinois. Births and deaths before January 1, 1916 and marriages before January 1, 1962 are recorded only in the office of the county clerk where the event occurred. Most county clerks have indexes to the records that are prior to 1916 that are available for the purpose of genealogical research. These indexes generally provide the name, date and place of occurrence and are located in county courthouses located throughout the state. Although self-service access to the indexes is generally permitted, the law limits physical access to the individual records to the clerk's staff. When you locate a record from the index, it will be necessary for the clerk to pull the record for you once you have paid the appropriate search fee. Please check with the county clerk for fees and policies on reviewing indexes.
Birth, Death Certificates:
The Division of Vital Records and Statistics maintains birth, death and marriage records that occur in Illinois from 1916 to the present.
Cost: Initial search and one certified copy or certification of the record or No Record Statement is $17.00 (long) or
$10.00 (uncertified) per certificate by mail.
Make your check or money order payable to "Illinois Department of Public Health". Enclose a business-size self-addressed envelope. The cost of each record includes a ten-year search if the exact date or place of event is not known. If no record is found or no copy is made, state law requires that we keep check amount for a searching fee. Please do not send cash in the mail.
In Person:
In-person orders can be dropped off for mail out within two business days at the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records office, 605 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. (Large volume orders may take longer.) PLEASE NOTE: the person requesting the record will be asked to show a valid picture identification card.
Marriage & Divorce Certificates: The Division of Vital Records also maintains an index of marriages & divorces from 1962 to the present. Copies of the marriage & divorce records are available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the marriage license was obtained or divorce was granted. Fees vary.
Cost: $5.00. Make your check or money order payable to "Illinois Department of Public Health". Enclose a business-size self-addressed envelope. The cost of each record includes a ten-year search if the exact date or place of event is not known. If no record is found or no copy is made, state law requires that we keep $5.00 for a searching fee. Please do not send cash in the mail.
Processing Time: 6 weeks when ordered by MAIL or 2-5 Days when you order ELECTRONICALLY
Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering below
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Henry County Vital Records by clicking the link below:
Search the Social Security Death Index for FREE - Search over 82 million death records and get genealogical information crucial to your family research. New content added weekly! Most comprehensive SSDI site online!
Research Death records In The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of historical Illinois newspaper articles about deaths. Search for local articles about an old family friend that died many years ago or a celebrity that committed suicide. Historical newspapers contain a wealth of information about the deceased.
Click Here to Search Illinois Voter Lists & Census Records! - Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Henry County Census Records by clicking the link below:
Genealogy Atlas has images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897 for Ohio and other states.
You can view rotating animated maps for Illinois showing all the county boundaries for each census year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries. You can view a list of maps for other states at Census Maps
You can view rotating animated maps for Illinois showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Maps. Email us with websites containing Henry County Maps by clicking the link below:
Click Here to Search Illinois Military Records! - Military and civil service records provide unique facts and insights into the lives of men and women who have served their country at home and abroad.
The uses and value of military records in genealogical research for ancestors who were veterans are obvious, but military records can also be important to re-searchers whose direct ancestors were not soldiers in any war. The fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and other close relatives of an ancestor may have served in a war, and their service or pension records could contain information that will assist in further identifying the family of primary interest. Due to the amount of genealogical information contained in some military pension files, they should never be overlooked during the research process. Those records not containing specific genealogical information are of historic value and should be included in any overall research design.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Henry County Military Records by clicking the link below:
Southern Claims Commission from the State of Illinois (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents In the 1870s, southerners claimed compensation from the U.S. government for items used by the Union Army, ranging from corn and horses, to trees and church buildings.
Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 (The National Archives): View, Print Copy & Save Original Documents in NARA publication M246 include muster rolls, payrolls, strength returns, and other miscellaneous personnel, pay, and supply records of American Army units, 1775-83.
The first known tax authorization in Illinois fell under the jurisdiction of the Territory of the United States North West of the River Ohio. The tax was based on every hundred acres of unimproved uncleared prairie or wood land, divided into three classes based on quality of earth surface and soil. The rates were thirty, twenty, and ten cents, to be paid annually. Property with delinquent taxes was sold at public auction. There do not appear to be any surviving tax records from this territorial period.
Beginning with statehood, tax records form a large part of county archival material. The 1819 laws provided the first taxation process, imposing taxes on land, bank stock owned, slaves and indentured negroes or mulattoes, plus a poor tax. The tax was collected by the county with income divided between the county and state. Taxpayers lists were eliminated in 1824, and in 1825 a county road tax and school taxes were enacted.
Original and microfilmed tax records at Illinois Regional Archives Depositories include taxable land lists, assessors books, railroad tax books, road tax records, and collectors books, the earliest record dated 1817. Other county tax records are located in county seats.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Tax Records. Email us with websites containing Henry County Tax Records by clicking the link below:
The Repositories
in this section are Archives, Libraries, Museums, Genealogical
and Historical Societies. Many County Historical and Genealogical
Societies publish magazines and/or news letters on a monthly,
quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis. Contacting the local societies
should not be over looked. State Archives and Societies are
usually much larger and better organized with much larger archived
materials than their smaller county cousins but they can be
more generalized and over look the smaller details that local
societies tend to have. Libraries can also be a good place to
look for local information. Some libraries have a genealogy
section and may have some resources that are not located at
archives or societies. Also, take a special look at any museums
in the area. They sometimes have photos and items from years
gone by as well as information of a genealogical interest. All
these places are vitally important to the family genealogist
and must not be passed over.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Henry County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:
Illinois Regional Archives Depository, Western Illinois University, University Library, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455; Telephone: (309) 298-2716. Map and Directions. Covers the following counties: Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Pike, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark and Warren. Hours: Monday – Friday, except state holidays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Illinois State Library, 300 South 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62701-1796; Phone: (217) 785-5600
Illinois
State Historical Library, Old State Capitol, Springfield, IL 62701 County histories, plat books, census indexes, cemetery indexes, city material,
family and association files, microfilmed newspapers, manuscripts, and photographs
are located beneath the restored old state capitol between 5th and 6th streets
and Washington and Adams streets.
Illinois Newspapers & Periodicals Records - Newspapers and periodicals are the diaries of local communities. They are excellent sources of family history details - often recorded nowhere else. Look for obituaries, marriages, legal notices, and more found in our Historical Newspaper Archives.
Click Here to Search Illinois Obituary Records! - This database is a compilation of obituaries published in U.S. newspapers, collected from various online sources. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as names, dates, places of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships.
Despite the early Catholic missionaries in Illinois, their church had almost totally disappeared from the state by the time of the American Revolution. Later migration of English-speaking Catholics reestablished the church in the state. In 1850 the largest religious denomination in Illinois was the Methodists. Baptists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Congregationalists followed. Episcopalians had organized in the state in 1835, the Disciples of Christ were in Illinois prior to 1830, and the Lutherans grew in numbers with the German and Scandinavian emigration of the 1840s.
Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Henry County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:
Find Obituaries in The World's Largest Newspaper Archive at NewpaperArchive.com! - Find thousands of Illinois obituaries to help you research your family history. Search for a Illinois newspaper obituary about your ancestor or a celebrity. Begin your search today and find death notices and funeral announcements printed in newspapers from Illinois.
Click Here to Search Illinois Family Tree Records! - The use of published genealogies, electronic files containing genealogical lineage, and other compiled sources can be of tremendous value to a researcher.
When view family trees online or not, be sure to only take the info at face value and always follow up with your own sources or verify the ones they provide. Below is a list of online resources for Henry County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Henry County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:
Genealogy Encyclopedia: General Abbreviations, Early Illnesses, Nickname Meanings, Worldwide Epidemics, Early Occupations, Common Terms, Censuses Explained, Free Genealogical Forms
Nichols and Related Families of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virgina.
Illinois Family & Local History Records - The Family & Local Histories Collection lets you read journals, memoirs, and other first-hand historical narratives right on your computer. Gathered from some of the world's finest libraries, these materials may provide hard-to-find town, county, and state information; tax records and wills; military, church, and court records; as well as photographs, stories, and maps.
Henry County, Illinois is located in Northwestern Illinois, just 16 miles from the Mississippi River dividing Illinois and Iowa. Henry County is primarily made up of rolling farmland, and is well known for hog, corn, soybean and cattle production. The area is also dotted with wooded areas, rivers, lakes and streams.
While much of the county is agricultural in nature, the cities and towns of Henry County feature many manufacturing and business outlets. The county is served by Interstate Highways 80 and 74, plus both freight and passenger rail lines. In addition, Henry County is just 10 minutes from the Quad Cities International Airport.
Henry County features areas of great historical interest, including the Bishop Hill Colony, the Hennepin Canal, the Great Sauk Trail and other areas reflecting the rich heritage of the region.
Henry County's population in 2000 was 51,020, with the county covering 823.21 square miles.
History
Henry County was named for Patrick Henry, a lawyer, orator and statesman of the Revolutionary period, a member of the Continental Congress, and Governor of Virginia.
The county was established Seven Years after Illinois became a state from unorganized territory attached to Fulton County, Illinois on January 13, 1825. The original Henry County ran north to the border of Illinois and Wisconsin and included parts of present-day Carroll, Jo Daviess, Knox, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties.
In 1827, the formation of Jo Daviess County drastically reduced the size of Henry County to about half its present day area. The present borders of Henry County were not established until 1836, and until about 1837, Henry County was attached to Knox County. The present county organization was completed in 1837.
American Woman’s League Chapter House
Andover Historical Museum & Grounds
This home of August Rehnstrom was built in 1861 by Eric Berglof, and served as a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. On the front lawn you can see the bell salvaged from Andover’s first two-story school, millstones from the original historic Edwards River Mill, and a historic marker denoting the fact that the first post office in Henry County was located in the Andover Colony in May of 1837. Open June-August 1st Sunday of each month, 1-4pm - other times by appointment. Group tours by appointment only.
309-476-8228
Jenny Lind Chapel
Located in the first community in Henry County, Andover, this quaint chapel was endowed by the world famous opera star, Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale” who toured America in the 1850’s. Built in 1850, this chapel is the “Mother Church” of the former Augustana Lutheran Synod of America, which founded Augustana College. Open 9-5, Monday-Sunday, May 1st-October 31st.
309-521-8501
Annawan
Hennepin Canal Parkway - Recreational Trail
The Hennepin Canal is listed in the National Register of Historic Places joins the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Communities in Henry County include Annawan, Atkinson, Colona and Geneseo. The engineering innovations used in its construction were also used to build the Panama Canal. There are 32 of the original 33 locks still visible on the canal. Current activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. Fully watered it is habitat for bass, walleye, crappie and catfish.
815-454-2328
Atkinson
Atkinson Heritage Society Inc.
Atkinson Historical Society Museum
Open 9-12 Monday-Friday, other times by appointment. Please call ahead to make sure it is open.
309-936-7117 or 309-936-7929
Bishop Hill
A National Historic Landmark WebsiteE-Mail
This now peaceful village offers a glimpse of what 19th century Swedish religious dissidents built as a utopia on the Illinois prairie. The past and present meet in historic buildings in the heart of the village. Restored buildings and museum exhibits trace the history of Bishop Hill since 1846. Visit the many shops featuring antiques, Swedish imports, handcrafts and gifts. Restaurants offer delicious Swedish-American food. This site is open Wed-Sun year round: March-Oct. 9am-5pm; Nov.-Feb. 9am-4pm. Open 7 days a week Memorial Day-Labor Day. Closed most holidays except Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
309-927-3345
Bishop Hill Museum WebsiteE-Mail
Here the paintings by nationally acclaimed folk artist, Olof Krans, offer a glimpse of Bishop Hill Colony life. Krans painted his Colony childhood memories depicting Bishop Hill’s people, buildings, and work. Additional offerings include a 10 minute Bishop Hill orientation video, and visitor information.
309-927-3345
Bishop Hill State Historic Site WebsiteE-Mail
The Site is open Wed.-Sun. year round. March-Oct. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov.-Feb. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed most holidays, but open Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and day following Thanksgiving.
309-927-3345
Colony Church WebsiteE-Mail
Morning and evening the Bishop Hill Colonists gathered here to worship. Colony families lived in the first floor and basement rooms. Built in 1848 the Colony Church has been restored. The exhibits on the first floor discuss various aspects of the Bishop Hill Colony (1848-1861). The second floor sanctuary retains its Colony appearance.
309-927-3345
Colony Hotel WebsiteE-Mail
Beginning in 1857 this structure provided lodging for salesmen, journalists, immigrants, and others visiting the Bishop Hill Colony. Portions of the interior have been restored including the Hotel’s kitchen, barroom, parlors, dining room, and a second floor bedroom.
309-927-3345
Henry County Historical Society (Museum)
Historical Artifacts of Henry County:
Home, Business, School and Agricultural.
202 South Park Street
P. O. Box 48
Bishop Hill, IL. 61419
GroupTours welcome.
Hours: 10:00 A. M. -- 4:00 P.M. Monday thru Sunday,
May 1st. thru October 31st.
Open by appointment only November 1st. thru April 30th.
Please call to arrange.
309-927-3528
The Bishop Hill Heritage Association WebsiteE-Mail
In 1962 after the loss of the original Colony Bakery and Brewery, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association was formed. The avowed purpose was the protection of the remaining colony buildings.The Heritage Association is privately funded by gifts, grants, and donations. The Heritage continues to actively restore and preserve the heritage evidenced by the wonderful structures in the Bishop Hill Colony. Buildings of the Heritage are restored for adaptive re-use and provide a space for the crafts demonstrations, and Colony Store.
309-927-3899
Cambridge
Henry County Court House
Hours 8:30-4:30, Monday-Friday
Galva
Wiley House Museum
Located at 906 W. Division. The house is one of Galva’s founders, William Wiley. The museum contains many artifacts from Galva. Open 11-4 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat. 1stSUnday of each month not open on Saturday before. Other times by appointment.
309-932-8992 or 309-932-3246
Geneseo
Geneseo Historical Museum
Located at 205 South State Street. The large double home consiste of 27 rooms and 9,000 sqft. The home features 12’ ceilings, ornate crown moldings, 2 large winding staircases. The museum houses permanent as well as changing displays. Hours Saturday & Sunday 1:30-4:30 March-November. Daily by chance or appointment 9:00-12, 1:00-3:00 Large groups by appointment only.
309-944-3043
Kewanee
Kewanee Historical Society Website
Located in the Robert and Marcella Richards Museum at 211 N. Chestnut Street featured are three floors of local history including churches, factories, businesses, schools, parks, sports, streetcars and much more. Did you know Kewanee is an Indian word for Prairie chicken? There is a display of prairie chickens. There is a genealogy corner and the National Cornhuskers Hall of Fame. On display is an iron lung used for polio patients. The second floor has a schoolroom, an "apartment" of antique furnishings and a military section with items from the Civil War to Desert Storm. In the 60's this floor had a teen club and the go-go cages are still on the stage. A wall mural was painted by the high school students. In the basement are early farm equipment and coal mining items. Hours May 1-Oct 1, Thursday & Saturday afternoons. Other times by appointment by calling 309-853-4572 or 309-853-8605.
309-854-9701
