1944, 58 pages
#3 Bonus – Counties of Illinois
(Details below)
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"The first great charm of Chicago is undoubtedly its location. Chicago is the only one of the world's
chief cities that is built on the very edge of a large body of water. The spray from Lake Michigan
at times is carried across some of its boulevards and streets. The great pride of Chicago is the
wonderful panorama of the city's shore line. . . No other drive presents such contrasts of city
and country, of land and sea."
On August 12, 1833, the Town of Chicago was organized with a population of 350. Within seven years it grew to a
population of over 4,000. The City of Chicago was incorporated on March 4, 1837. The city began its step toward
regional primacy as an important transportation hub between the eastern and western United.
After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city, including the entire central business district,
Chicago experienced rapid rebuilding and growth. During its rebuilding period, Chicago constructed the
world's first skyscraper in 1885. In 1893, Chicago hosted the World's Columbian Exposition on former
marshland at the present location of Jackson Park. The Exposition drew 27.5 million visitors, and is considered among the
most influential world's fairs in history. The 1920s brought notoriety to Chicago as gangsters, including the notorious Al
Capone, battled each other and law enforcement on the city streets during the Prohibition era.
CONTENTS
Vol 1- Discovery, French domination, Spanish in Illinois, founding & city incorporation, Forts,
Indian Wars, Canals, Railroads, River & Harbors, Education, Religion, Slavery
Vol 2 -1854-1880 Precincts, localities, institutions, Chicago Fire, Civil War,
Vol 3 - Columbian Exposition, Parks, Railroads, Libraries, Banking, Industry, Drug Trade
#2 Bonus - Counties of Illinois
Their Origin and Evolution
67 pages
With 23 maps, showing the Original and the Present County Boundary Lines
County organization in Illinois dates back to 1779 when, after the conquest
of Kaskaskia and Vincennes by George Rogers Clark
in 1778, the "County of Illinois" was established by legislative enactment of
Virginia and the new county, vaguely defined as to
boundaries, was attached to that commonwealth. This was passed in October 1778
and proclamation of the act made June 17, 1779.
Captain John Todd was appointed "County lieutenant commandent" and
organized the government with the county seat at Kaskaskia.
But the machinery of county government was never effectually set up,
and it soon ceased to run.
In 1784, Virginia surrendered to the general government all claims to this
territory and in 1787 "An Act for the government of
the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio River" was passed
by the congress sitting under the articles of confederation.
Under this ordinance General Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor of the
territory, and, in 1790, organized by proclamation, the
county of St. Clair, named in honor of himself.
To understand the boundaries defined in this and subsequent proclamations
and in the early legislative acts setting up counties
in the Northwest Territory, Indiana Territory and the territory of Illinois, it is
necessary to know the geographical location
of a number of points not found on modern maps of Illinois.
It was standard practice that early counties included large territories which
were sub-divided, numerous times, as the population
increased. Even if your early Illinois pioneer settler ancestors never moved
they would have become residents of numerous counties.
Your success in locating family records will be enhanced if you know the county
boundary changes and timelines.
A good tool for your genealogy toolkit.