Warren County Illinois Genealogical Society

08/16/2026

How many ancestors do you have? Check out the math. It's amazing isn't it?

08/16/2026

The Warren County Illinois Genealogical Society is housed in the upstairs of the library at 62 Public Square. Consider checking it out!

08/05/2026

Hey everyone!
The Warren County Genealogical Society is encouraging the submission of “Special Memory” articles from our readers.
These are recollections of the memories and stories told to us as we were growing up about our families and/or friends.
Anyone may submit a 2 page or 3 page article and giving permission for the Warren County Genealogical Society to publish in our Quarterly.
Photos are also welcome too. Articles may be sent to [email protected], mailed to the Warren County Genealogical Society at 62 Public Square, Monmouth IL. 61462, or you can drop it off at the Warren County Public Library, for the genealogical society.
We look forward to seeing family stories!

07/23/2026

Our Ancestors are more than just names on a family tree. Every family has history worth remembering, whether it’s filled with remarkable achievements, everyday resilience, or treasured memories passed through generations.

Some families like the Cofflands, who came here from Ohio and settled in Warren County, working on Farms such as Spring Grove Township and Hale Township.
Others such as veterans, John A Butler and Phillip Horney who both served in the Blackhawk War.
Then the freed ex enslaved woman, Jemima Hall who made her mark working under the Rodgers Family of Hale Township.
Elizabeth Smith, who was said to be well known among Warren County, witnessed the transition of pioneer era to industrial era.
And finally the Farmer, known as R.W Gerlaw, who later developed a townsite known as Gerlaw in Warren County.

Who are some of your ancestors? We’d love to hear about them! Share a favorite family story, an old photograph, or tell us about an ancestor who inspires you. Every story helps preserve our shared history.

If you’re not sure who your ancestors are or where their story begins? That’s okay, Genealogy is a journey of discovery, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Consider joining the Warren County Genealogical Society, where you can explore your family history, learn some research techniques, and uncover the stories of those who came before you. Memberships are just $15 where you can either come to the Warren County Library or mail it in at 62 Public Square, Monmouth Illinois.

We can’t wait to see your stories and family photos in the comments!

07/19/2026

Illinois was established as the 21st state of the United States in 1818. Its history stretches from the civilizations of ancient Native American cultures to the era of French exploration, and later to the agricultural and industrial boom of the 19th century. As a gateway to the American heartland, Illinois played a vital role in the nation’s westward expansion and economic growth.

The state’s story is shaped by remarkable people from many walks of life. From French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet,
to the Native American warrior Black Hawk (Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, often translated as “Black Sparrow Hawk”);
from legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, who was born in Monmouth Illinois;
To social reformer and women’s rights advocate Jane Addams;
from blues icon Muddy Waters,
to four U.S. Presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama.

Illinois has left an undeniable mark on American history.

With such a rich and diverse past, one question remains,
If you had a time machine, which period of Illinois history would you choose to witness?

Map is depicted from Illinois in 1843

07/17/2026

Did you know that you can invite your friends to follow our page? We appreciate you!

07/11/2026

Please consider joining the society to help us continue to preserve our county's ancestors history

07/11/2026

How our day went Thursday at the headstone cleaning event. Video courtesy of Steven Smith member who coordinated the event. Thank you Steven and youth librarian Mindy Newberry and John Turnbull for the presentation.

04/09/2026

Upcoming genealogy workshop in Burlington.

The Spring Genealogy & Local History Workshop at BPL is for everyone who: wants to know more about their Des Moines County ancestors, wants to learn about genealogy research, is interested in local history, wants to learn how to research their older home, needs a little help with online research met...

03/18/2026

How to apply for a Prairie Pioneer certificate:
https://ilgensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=20