Jersey County was created on February 28, 1839 (Laws, 1839, p. 208) and was formed from Greene County. Present area, or parts of it, formerly included in: Greene County (1821–1839), Madison County (1812–1821) and St. Clair County (1790–1812).
The County was named for the State of New Jersey, which derived its name from the Isle of Jersey in Great Britain. The County Seat is Jerseyville (1839-Present). See also County History for more historical details.
Jersey County approved township organization on November 6, 1860, and the County Court even appointed commissioners to divide the county into townships, but this organization was never completed. The commissioners' report of 1861 divided the county into six townships. Township Names under the 1860 Failed Organization: Delphi, Fidelity, Fieldon, Illinois, Jersey, Mississippi. Jersey County Townships include Elsah, English, Fidelity, Jersey, Mississippi, Otter
Creek, Piasa, Quarry (Name
changed from Grafton on April 1, 1880), Richwoods, Rosedale (Name
changed from Illinois on June 7, 1882), Ruyle Townships
Cities, Towns and Communities include Brighton, Elsah, Fidelity, Fieldon, Grafton, Jerseyville, Otterville
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.jerseycounty.org/government.htm. All departments below at located at the Jersey County Courthouse, 201 W. Pearl Street, Jerseyville, IL 62052 , unless a different address is listed below. NOTE: The record dates below are from the earliest date to present time.
Jersey County Circuit Court Clerk has Probate Records from 1839 and Court Records from 1839 and is located at the address above. Phone Number: (618) 498-5571, ext. 119 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.
Jersey County Recorder has Land Records from 1822 and is located at the Jersey County Administration Building,
200 N. LaFayette,
Jerseyville, IL 62052; (618) 498-5571, ext.
118 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.
Jersey County Clerk has Birth / Death Records from 1877 and Marriage Records from 1839 and is located at the Jersey County Administration Building,
200 N. LaFayette,
Jerseyville, IL 62052; (618) 498-5571, ext.
115 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 Jersey County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Maps. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Tax Records. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing Jersey County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:
Illinois Regional Archives Depository, University of Illinois at Springfield, LIB 144, One University Plaza, MS BRK 140, Springfield IL 62703-5407; Telephone: (217) 206-6520. Map and Directions. Covers the following counties: Bond, Cass, Christian, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macon, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott. Hours: Monday – Friday, except state holidays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 Jersey County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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 Jersey County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing Jersey 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.
We are unable to ascertain with any degree of certainty who was the first settler in what is now Jersey County. A few parties settled temporarily in 1816 and 1817. Thomas McDow, Esq. who is now living on section 32, township 7, range 11, came into the county in 1823. Jacob Lurton came in 1817; W. D. F. Slaten, J. W. Slaten and Jessie White in 1818; Marcus Gilham and Mary A. McKinney in 1819; John Brown, John Gunterman, and Daniel Newberry in 1829; Joseph Cope, Cyrus Tolman, and George Stafford in 1821; G. W. Slaten, and J. R Slaten in 1822; John C. Whitlock in 1823; Jacob Reddish, and Zedekiah Reddish in 1829; Judge J. M. Hard, and C. M. Hamilton in 1830; George H. Jackson and Judge Caleb Noble in 1833; Thomas Cummings, George Finley, Samuel Loften, John D. Gilham, Joseph White, William Hates, and Josiah T. Askew were also very early settlers, but we have not the year in which they first came.
J. T. Grimes was born, in what is now Jersey County, in 1820. In 1821 the settlements were considerably extended, but did not increase very rapidly until about 1832, since which time it has had, with very little interruption, a rapid and healthy growth, and to-day Jersey county is among the best cultivated, best improved, and among the most wealthy counties of its size and population in the state. It was a part of Green county, but by an act of the legislature passed February 28th, 1839, Green county was divided and the southern part named Jersey county.
The first entry of land was made by John Wilkins at the land office in Edwardsville, October 13, 1820.
The county seat of Jersey County was located at Jerseyville on the organization of the county.
At a special meeting of the county commissioners' court, held at Jerseyville on Monday, October 14th, 1839, there were present, Thomas Cummings, Solomon Calhoun, Amos Pruitt, county commissioners; Robert L. Hill, clerk of the circuit court; Richard Graham, clerk of the county court; J. N. English, sheriff; George H. Jackson, recorder; John R. Black, treasurer.
The first court was held October 14, 1839. Elijah Van Horne was foreman of the first grand jury. This was the first organization of "Little Jersey".
The first justice of the peace was Walter Cromwell, appointed by the governor in 1822.
The location of Jersey County is very superior in almost every particular. The climate is excellent, soil rich and productive. About one-third of the county was original prairie. The timber lands are excellent, and when cleared and cultivated have soil unsurpassed, and yield excellent crops. The county is well watered and for stock purposes, for raising grains and fruits it has no superior. Its boundary line on the south is the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and on the west in the Illinois River, which furnishes cheap transportation. Two railroads now course through the county and another is in contemplation, which coupled with the short distance to St. Louis furnish the people with the best of markets at small cost.
Besides all these advantages of nature and art, Jersey county is peopled by the very best class of citizens - a class who have turned the wild prairies and heavy timber lands into beautiful farms, have planted orchards and groves, built fine and comfortable houses, barns, etc., etc. Have dotted their county all over with churches and schoolhouses, built railroads, etc., etc., and have established by their industry and enterprise a reputation excelled by few.
Jerseyville -
Was laid off by Lott and Daley, October 1st, 1834, and during that year a number of New Jersey people settled in the town and vicinity. The town of Jerseyville was incorporated July 21, 1837, and the first officers were John W. Lott, of New Jersey, president of the board of trustees; E. M. Daley, clerk, Samuel L. McGill, George W. Collins, Richard Graham, board of trustees. The city of Jerseyville was incorporated February 21, 1867. M. E. Bagley was elected mayor, and J. S. Blythe, Andrew Jackson, John I. White, George Egelhoff, aldermen; George H. Jackson, clerk; J. S. Daniels, marshal. When the town was first laid off the proprietors were at a loss what name to give it. A meeting of the citizens of the neighborhood was called to settle the matter, and a great many names were proposed, but none saited Dr. Lott, who was on of the most extensive proprietors, and he said it should be called Jerseyville, which ended the subject. The present city officers are Robert M. Knapp, mayor; J. E. Stanford, J. H. Baffington, John M. Smith, Frederick Bertman, Robert A. King, e. L. H. Barry, John W. Visson, J. H. Lock, aldermen; George H. Jackson, clerk; James McKinney, marshal; J. W. Calhoun, city constable; Henry Calkins, police justice.
Grafton -
Was surveyed April 15, 1835. It is finely situated on the banks of the Mississippi river, about one mile below the mouth of the Illinois river. The celebrated "Grafton Stone Quarries" are settled here, which does one of the most extensive business of the kind in the country, and gives employment to a great many men.
Grafton Mills -
Owned by Hon. James M. Allen, is also situated in Grafton, and are considered among the finest flouring mills in the country. Grafton has a number of stores and does an extensive and profitable business for a place of its size. A railroad is contemplated and will undoubtedly be built very soon from Springfield through Jerseyville and Grafton to St. Louis, which will make Grafton one of the largest and most important points in that region of the country.
Jersey Landing, or Elsah -
Was surveyed March 7th, 1853. It is situated on the Mississippi river four miles below Grafton. Has several stores and does considerable trade.
Fieldon -
Was laid off August 14, 1837. It has several stores, mills, blacksmiths and wagon shops, etc., etc. Has a rich farming country surrounding and does a good local trade. Belt, Bros. & Co. are located here and do an extensive general trade.
Fidelity -
Was surveyed January 5, 1830. It is surrounded by a beautiful rich farming country, and does considerable local trade.
Camden -
Was surveyed March 11th, 1832. It is situated on the Mississippi river, at the mouth of the Illinois river, and once had the prospect of being a very large town.
Otterville -
Was laid off October 6th, 1866. It is surrounded by a rich farming country. Has several stores, mills, blacksmith shops, etc., and does a good trade. H. E. Dougharty's celebrated mills and elevators are situated here.
Delhi -
Was laid off May 6th, 1868. It is a station on the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railroad. Is in a splendid farming country, and does considerable trade.
Newbern -
Was surveyed September 26th, 1866. It is located in a very wealthy section of the county. It is the location of McAdams & Bleyler's flouring mills; has stores, shops; etc, and does a good local trade.
Kemper -
Was laid off November 5, 1870. It is a new and promising town on the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad. Has several stores and does a flourishing trade.
