I know in Hamilton Co. the County Clerk will not let any look ups to be done by the public. In fact, she won't even let the Mormons come in and record the data. Also, she will not release the information to the IL State Archives. She makes you send her $5 and the exact name and date. If what she finds is not the exact name or the exact date, she will tell you she found nothing. IT MUST BE EXACT! And we all know that in the 1800's the people's spelling left a lot to be desired. It makes me mad enough to spit. I pray everyday that there is not a fire and all of those records are not destroyed forever! If she does let someone look at the record books, they are not allowed to bring in a lap top computer or anything. You can only use a pencil and paper. But she rarely ever lets anyone look at the books.