Prairie Pioneers of Illinois

If your ancestor settled in Illinois before 1880, you may find valuable information about them in the Illinois State Genealogical Society's Prairie Pioneers of Illinois. This two volume work records biographical and genealogical details for the earliest settlers in the state and lists when they arrived in Illinois.

The Illinois State Genealogical Society still collects information on Illinois' early pioneers. Their website lists the names of 3900 individuals but does not include genealogical information on them. The society is also currently collecting information on families who have lived continuously in Illinois since the state's founding in 1818.