Illinois Newspapers, 1840-2009

77,422 records

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Newspapers

Illinois Newspapers, 1840-2009

Illinois Newspapers, 1840-2009

77,422 pages in 14 newspaper titles

This collection is a compendium of newspapers published in various cities and towns in the state of Illinois from 1840 until 2009. Newspapers are an important resource for genealogy and family history research as they contain obituaries and other vital record substitutes such as birth, marriage, and death notices. Additionally, society pages and stories of local interest contain rich information on activities and events in the community and often provide details about the persons involved. Before vital records were recorded by city, county, or state governments, local newspapers often published articles listing or detailing these events. Obituaries contain vital and biographical information on the decedent but also on his or her family and relatives. Society pages began as a way to entice readers with gossip and news about the wealthy and famous but soon evolved to cover the goings-on of “average” citizens. An incredible array of information can be discovered in these society pages or sections from seemingly mundane notices and reports on events such as parties, job changes, hospital stays, and social visits by friends or relatives. These pages are a source of historical events that are unlikely to exist in any other record. Coverage and completeness in this collection varies by title.

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