CARROLL COUNTY, IL HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

The History of Carroll County Illinois by H.F. Kett & Co., (1878) – 504 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2023.12.09.2200.CD.AR

A Century in Carroll County by Committee from Mount Carroll, (1923) – 44 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2024.09.16.125.CD.AR

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Carroll County Volume 1 by Bateman, Newton; Selby, Paul (1913) – 702 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2025.08.26.1943.AR

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Carroll County Volume 2 by Bateman, Newton; Selby, Paul (2001) – 529 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2025.08.26.1655.AR

Carroll County, Illinois: A Genealogical Overview

Located in the northwestern corner of Illinois, Carroll County is a scenic and rural region bordered by the Mississippi River. It is part of the “Driftless Area,” a unique landscape of rolling hills and valleys that escaped the last glaciation. Its history is defined by the displacement of Native American tribes, settlement by pioneers from the eastern United States and Europe, and an economy rooted in agriculture.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Understanding Carroll County’s formation from a single parent county is essential for locating the earliest records for ancestors who settled the area.

  • 1839: County Formed: Carroll County was established on February 22, 1839.
  • Parent County: It was created entirely from the southern portion of Jo Daviess County. Records for settlers in this area prior to 1839 would be located in Jo Daviess County records.
  • Subsequent County Formations: The boundaries of Carroll County have remained largely stable since its creation in 1839.
  • Name Origin: The county was named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Maryland, who was the last surviving signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.
  • County Seat History: The city of Mount Carroll was designated as the county seat upon the county’s formation and has remained the seat of government ever since.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The region was the traditional homeland of the Sauk (Sac) and Meskwaki (Fox) peoples. The Black Hawk War of 1832, which took place in the surrounding region, resulted in the forced removal of these tribes and opened the land for widespread American settlement.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: The first significant non-native settlement began in the late 1820s and accelerated rapidly after 1832. Pioneers came primarily from New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, followed by immigrants from Germany and the British Isles. They established small agricultural communities across the county. The economy was, and remains, overwhelmingly based on farming (corn, soybeans, and livestock). Towns like Savanna, located on the Mississippi River, also developed economies based on river trade, railroads, and industry.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Carroll County.

  • Courthouse:
    • Carroll County Courthouse: Located at 301 N. Main Street, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053. This building is the central repository for most county records. The County Clerk holds vital records (birth, death, marriage) and the County Recorder (same office) holds land records (deeds, mortgages). The Clerk of the Circuit Court holds probate (wills, estates), divorce, and civil and criminal court case records.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Illinois began in 1916. For official copies of records after this date, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Carroll County Clerk. For records prior to 1916, researchers should check with the County Clerk; registration began sporadically at the county level in 1877, but compliance was inconsistent.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1839 to the present are held by the Carroll County Clerk. These are often the most complete vital record set from the county’s earliest days.
  • Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
    • Carroll County Genealogical Society: This is a crucial resource for local family research, often with volunteers who can assist with lookups. They maintain collections at local libraries.
    • Public Libraries: The public libraries in Mount Carroll, Savanna, Lanark, and Milledgeville all have local history collections, including newspapers on microfilm, plat maps, and family histories.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Jo Daviess County, IL (north)
    • Stephenson County, IL (north)
    • Ogle County, IL (east)
    • Whiteside County, IL (south)
    • Clinton County, IA (west)
    • Jackson County, IA (west)

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks