Jan, There is a good book by E. Wade Hone "LAND & PROPERTY RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES," that would help you to have a better understanding of land records. Most genealogical libraries should have a copy if you would like to see the book before purchasing it. Be thankful that Illinois lands were surveyed using the rectangular survey system and not the metes and bounds system. I can understand the rectangular system and have a little trouble with the metes and bounds system. There might be a site online that would provide information on the survey systems. Darlene Shawn