Archives/IRAD

County and municipal records dating from 1817 onward, collected from 14 central Illinois counties: Bond, Cass, Christian, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macon, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott. Some of these historic records include:

• Circuit and Chancery Court record books, dockets, and case files
• Wills, estate inventory and probate case files
• Poll books and election returns
• Deed records
• Tax records
• Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records
• County commissioners' minutes
• Naturalization papers
• Cemetery records
• School records

Visiting a Depository

Researchers may visit an IRAD depository and examine the records that are available. The seven IRAD depositories are open Monday through Friday. Depositories are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, some state or federal holidays, and any weekdays the university libraries are closed. Hours may be reduced in June and July. Appointments are required for UIS IRAD records. We are happy to assist but do require that you call 24 hours (or more) in advance to schedule your visit. You can call 217-206-6520 or email archives@uis.libanswers.com

Requesting a Search

IRAD welcomes mail and telephone requests from researchers interested in genealogy and local history. In order for depository staff to conduct a search of the IRAD holdings, researchers should provide the following information:

• The full names of the persons they are researching
• The approximate year when these persons are expected to appear in the records
• The county which created the records
• Record titles/types to search

Include any additional information that may assist in locating the person or information requested (such as township or precinct for searches of tax and election records).

Researchers also are asked to limit requests to two (2) names at a time and to wait for a response to one request before submitting additional requests. Inquiries should be sent directly to:

Fees

The research services of the IRAD system are provided at no charge. Therefore, when requesting information by mail, a self-addressed, stamped envelope is not necessary. However, there will be a photocopy fee, for which you will be billed. Photocopies are $1 per request. If photocopies go over 25 pages, then it is a $.10 per page.

A bill of what records were found will be sent to the requester with instructions on how to pay. Once UIS/IRAD receives payment, records will be sent.