Re: Peoria Co. Courthouse: There is very little at the Peoria Co. pffoce that you may look at yourself. They do have marriage books, but they give little information. However, they give a book and page number where a staff member can find the actual record. They also have books containing the Peoria Township census for 1888 and 1899 which they will let someone look at. They are friendly and helpful, but "rules is rules" and there is no way around them. At the Peoria Public Library, on the other hand, they have old newspapers way back (on microfilm), which anyone may use on premises. They also have many old census records on microfilm available. Often there is a volunteer from Peoria Co. Genealog. Society in the Genealogy room at the library who will be able to help direct you to various resources. Note, however, their summer hours are significantly reduced (I believe they close at 6pm on weekdays and are closed on Sat. as well as Sun. for the summer). You might want to call ahead for summer hours. Peoria Co. Clerk: 309-672-6059 Peoria Public Library: 309-497-2000 They also have an index on obits in a card file in a wooden cabinet, which I have sound of little use personally, but it may be a huge help to someone. Look up person by name and it gives date, name of paper and page number where the obit can be found. But this is only for certain years, a limiting factor. I hope this helps someone ........ or many. Bill in Denver