This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: McNamara Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/hg.2ADI/639.1.1.1 Message Board Post: I think you're mistaking what the state has versus what the county has. I know, as I've done it, too, only to realize later that the information IS available, but I went to the wrong source. I visited the Peoria County clerk's office two years ago (for a different family line), and was able to view index entries from the 1880s, and have received an 1883 death cert from them via mail order since. I double-checked just now, and the county website says records are available for people to look at up to 1916, but that you have to go to the state for records after that. Please give it another try. . . I recall they mentioned they have volunteers help with genealogy research. Here's the website address: http://www.co.peoria.il.us/CoClerk/geneal.htm Good luck!