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Welcome to
Rock Island County, Illinois
Genealogy and History

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Join us as we present some of Rock Island County's history and genealogy.  While it is both unique and typical at the same time, we think you will find it an exciting Trail to follow on your journey through Illinois' past.

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Centennial Bridge in Rock Island County
 

Brief History of Rock Island County
(1901)

Rock Island county, in the northwestern section of the State bordering upon the Mississippi River (which constitutes its northwestern boundary for more than 60 miles), and having an area of 440 square miles.

In 1816, the Government erected a fort on Rock Island (an island in the Mississippi, 3 miles long and one-half to three-quarters of a mile wide), naming it Fort Armstrong. It has always remained a military post, and is now the seat of an extensive arsenal and work-shops.


Fort Armstrong

In the spring of 1828, settlements were made near Port Byron by John and Thomas Kinney, Archibald Allen and George Harlan. Other early settlers, near Rock Island and Rapids City, were J.W. Spencer, J.W. Barriels, Benjamin F. Pike and Conrad Leak; and among the pioneers were Wells and Michael Bartlett, Joel Thompson, the Simms brothers and George Davenport. The country was full of Indians, this being the headquarters of Black Hawk and the initial point of the Black Hawk War.

By 1829 settlers were increased in number and county organization was effected in 1833, Rock Island (then called Stephenson) being made the county-seat. Joseph Conway was the first County Clerk, and Joel Wells, Sr., the first Treasurer. The first court was held at the residence of John W. Barriels, in Farnhamsburg.

The county is irregular in shape, and the soil and scenery greatly varied. Coal is abundant, the water-power inexhaustible, and the county's mining and manufacturing interests are very extensive. Several lines of railway cross the county, affording admirable transportation facilities to both eastern and western markets. Rock Island and Moline are the two principal cities in the county, though there are several other important points. Coal Valley is the center of large mining interests, and Milan is also a manufacturing center. Port Byron is one of the oldest towns in the county, and has considerable lime and lumber interests, while Watertown is the seat of the Western Hospital for the Insane. Population of the county in 1880 was 38,302; in 1890, 41,917; in 1900, 55,249

Rock Island County was established on February 9, 1831, with organization completed in 1833.

 

 

Rock Island County Formation:

From 1831–1833, it was attached to JoDaviess County
1827–1831- JoDaviess
1825–1827 - Mercer
1825–1827 - Henry
1821–1825 - Pike
1823–1825 - Fulton
1812–1821 - Madison
1794–1812 - St. Clair

Surrounding Counties
Mercer / Henry / Whiteside
Scott County, Iowa  across the River
 

County Seats:
1833–1835 - Farnhamsburg - House of John Barrell
1835–1841 - Stephenson
- Name changed to Rock Island in 1841.
1841 – Rock Island

 

Rock Island Library 
401 19th St.
Rock Island, IL
309-732-7323
Oldest IL Library
Read about it
Here

   

Andalusia Library
503 Second Street West
PO Box 268
Andalusia, IL
309-798-2542

   

Cordova District Library
402 Main Avenue
Cordova IL 61242-0247
309-654-2330
Read about it
Here

   

Moline Library
The downtown branch of their library is located at:
504 17th Street
Moline, IL 61265
309-762-6883

Their southeast branch is located at:
3130 41st Street
Moline, IL 61265
309-762-6883

   

Rock Island County Courthouse
1504 Third Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Telephone:
County Clerk - (309) 558-3570
Circuit Clerk - (309) 786-4451
Recorder - (309) 558-3360

   

IRAD Depository
University Library
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Telephone: (309) 298-2716

Data Topics
Data will be added as it is transcribed or contributed.
(We have no further info other than what is online!)
 

Biographies

Births

Businesses

Cemeteries

Census Data

Churches

Cities and Townships

County Institutions and their Records

Court Records

Deaths
Deceased Doctors 1804 -1929
 

Directories

History
(Indians, Pioneers and Early Settlers)

 Historic Districts, Neighborhoods & Architectural Areas

Immigration

Land Grants

Marriages

Military Records

Naturalization Records

Newspaper Articles

Obituaries

Postcards

Post Offices

Railroads

River Boats

Schools

Wills and Probate Records

   
       
Website Updates:
Apr 2013:
bio for WOOD
Mar 2013:
obit for ODEAN
Jan 2013:
Class Picture for Hawthorne-Irving School
Oct 2012:
obit for Burgower
Aug 2012:
obits for DAVIS, BOGGS and SMITH
June 2012:
obit for HODSON
Apr 2012:
obit for FISHER
Feb 2012:
obit for HAYNES
Jan 2012:
obits for SHERWOOD, WATES


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