Family History Research

Illinois Law did not require Birth, Death, or Marriage records to be recorded until 1916.  If the record is not in the index, NO RECORD IS ON FILE.

Our office is located in:
                                    The Government Center
                                    115 E Washington St, Rm 102
                                    PO Box 2400
                                    Bloomington, IL 61702-2400

Genealogical Search

All genealogical searches are conducted on Wednesdays.  Walk in requests are asked to prepay and will be mailed to the applicant upon processing.

Genealogical record fees are $12.00 for Birth, Marriage, and Death.  This includes the search and the first copy.  Each additional copy of the same search is $6.00.  If the record is searched and not found the original $12.00 fee still applies.

If you are uncertain of the year, a time frame is still required to conduct the search.  The fee is $12.00 for the first 5 years and $6.00 for each additional 5 years searched.  If the record is located, one genealogical copy will be provided. 

We are unable to do search requests by phone. 

Birth

We have a card index file from 1860-1915.  This will list the name on record, birth date, parents’ names, and reference number for finding the record.  However, some records dated prior to 1878 may not list the parents’ names.

Our website contains a birth index search for the years 1860-1915.  We are continually updating the index; last names beginning with P through Z have not yet been completed.

Death

We have a card index from 1878-1915. This will only list the name on the record, date of death, and the reference book for finding the record. More than one name may be on the card; this does not mean they are related. Family history is not on the records until approximately 1912.

Marriages

Our index is in ledgers from 1831-1915. The index will show the year the marriage was recorded, the groom’s name, the bride’s name, and the reference (number and letter) for finding the record. The index is cross-referenced under the groom and the bride. Family history information will not start until approximately 1878.

Please call us if you have any questions (309) 888-5188.  You can also reach us by e-mail at countyclerk@mcleancountyil.gov.