Genealogical &
Historical
Marion Co.
Society
Useful Links
Looking for more?
Our Society covers all of Marion County, Illinois.
However, there are other historical societies within our
county that focus specifically on a particular town.
We will list contact information for these groups
as information becomes available to us.
Also contained on this page are links to research sites
that may prove useful to you in your genealogical
and historical research.
Centralia Area Historical Society & Museum
Kinmundy Historical Society
Membership roster, meeting minutes, a list of Kinmundy surnames, a wealth of photographs, and historical news articles for the townships of Kinmundy, Alma and Foster.
Odin's History
In Odin's library, a History Room is kept full of artifacts from Odin's past. Follow the link above for history of the town and a "fun facts" page.
Illinois State Genealogical Society
Isaac Hull Chapter of the DAR
This Salem chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1915.
Here you'll find a history of the chapter, plus a list of patriots from whom many local members are descended. Also find information on activities and membership.
Prairie State Chapter of the DAR
This Centralia chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1940.
Here you'll find a history of the chapter, plus a list of revolutionary war patriots who just might be part of your genealogy. Also find information on activities and membership.
Ingram's Pioneer Log Cabin Village
Fourteen authentic pre-Civil War cabins in a natural setting.
Chronicling America
Historic American newspapers covering 1836-1922.
Fully searchable. Presented by The Library of Congress.
Agricultural newspapers covering 1884-1906. Searchable.
Sponsored by the University of Illinois.
A Collection of Flora (Clay County) newspapers on Illinois Digital Archives. Collection is searchable and spans 1883-1926, with the bulk of the papers covering 1907-1926.
The Kinmundy-Express
The Kinmundy-Express was a weekly newspaper that existed for decades. Dolores Ford-Mobley compiled, transcribed and uploaded vast amounts of information about area residents from this source, starting with the year 1883 and ending with 1957. Articles reference Kinmundy as well as many surrounding towns, such as Alma, Salem, Patoka, Sandoval, Iuka, Odin and Meacham. This is an invaluable resource which is fully searchable.
A large collection of newspapers that is fully searchable.
Castle Garden Immigration Center
Free, searchable database of 11 million immigrants, from 1820 through 1892, the year Ellis Island opened.
Ellis Island Records
You must register to use this site, but registration is free, and so is the search.
Find A Grave, Marion County
Findagrave.com is a very helpful resource, but there are also
many cemetery listings in our archive room (plus obituaries).
Historic Property Maps
Historic Map Works offers a digital map database, including
several maps of Marion County, searchable by Township.
Frake's Marion County
This site, created by Stephen P. H. Frakes, provides access to photos, family genealogies, cemetery lists, township maps, etc. Mr. Frakes has a deep love of history and for years provided our Society's only presence on the internet. Thank you, Mr. Frakes!
History of Iuka Schools
Detailed article on Iuka CCSD 7 site covering history of Iuka's schools. Written and edited by Kenneth E. Beaver and David L. Hock. Includes work by other writers, plus poems.
How Genealogy Works
Written by Rhonda R. McClure on 'How Stuff Works'
Chart for Determining Generational Titles
How does "first cousin once removed" work?
Use this handy chart designed by Alice J. Ramsay to see for yourself.
A large collection of information offering guidance on learning
about the history of your house.
PastPorts Newsletter - St. Louis County Library
A monthly newsletter and index of past publications.
These speeches were made in, about or by the people
of Marion County.
You can listen to William Jennings Bryan
Deliver seven of his speeches on the 'Earliest Voices' site.
Includes 'Cross of Gold, [1921]' 'Imperialism [1901],'
'Swollen Fortunes [1902],' 'Immortality [1903],'
'Popular Election of Senators [1910],'
'Mysteries [1910],' and 'The Trust Question [1910].'
Note: if the audio doesn't play immediately, you might
need to download a media player. RealPlayer® is free,
and can be downloaded here.
These books are all found on--and are a free service of--OpenLibrary.org.
Their goal? "One web page for every book ever published."
Brinkerhoff's History of Marion County
Written by J. H. G. Brinkerhoff, published 1909.
A History of Southern Illinois
Written by George Washington Smith, published 1912.
Complete History of Southern Illinois' Gang War
Okay, we know this did not take place in Marion County, but we also know that it is of great interest to many of our members. Deals with Charlie Birger and the Shelton Brothers. Written by E. Bishop Hill, published 1927.
Eight Months In Illinois; with Information to Immigrants
Written by William Oliver, a "true account" of an Englishman's journey to the "western country" in 1841-1842. Originally published 1843.
The Real Bryan; Being Extracts from the Speeches and Writings of 'A Well-Rounded Man'
Compiled by Richard L. Metcalfe, published 1908
History of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and Representative Employees
Written by W. K. Ackerman, published 1900
Some Economic Aspects of the Illinois Oil Industry
Written by W. H. Voskuil and Hubert E. Risser, published 1963
Hopes, Dreams and Memories
A book of poetry written by Frank A. Clark, of Salem, published 1922