Go here for maps of county boundaries as they evolved: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilcumber/ilctybnd/index.htm It would indicate that Marion was formed in 1823. I didn't look at the boundaries. As for naturalization, about which I know Zip since my ancestors came pretty early, there is information online. Try places like Rootsweb.com, FTM, ancestry, etc. I believe all of them have some areas where they have free information on where to look for what and so on. Cheryl Rothwell logancty@mindspring.com Logan County, IL, Coordinator, ILGenWeb www.rootsweb.com/~illogan Central IL Regional Coordinator, ILGenWeb Clark, Downing, Harding, Lucas et al