Kentucky had a lot of difficulty in providing clear title to the lands. The land had first to be improved before title could be applied for. There was also a lot of mismatched surveys. Some short, some long, some surveys did not abut each other, leaving a pitiful small amount between surveys. A lot of court battles over clear title. Some men also still had bounty land that they had not applied for, although I don't think much of this pertained to Pope County. Illinois fortunately has enjoyed a better land deed opportunity. And of course, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Money, money, money is the usual reason people move. Then and today. Hope this helps, contact me again if you have additional questions on this. Dee Doyle ---------- > From: Laura1853@aol.com > To: ILPOPE-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [ILPOPE-L] Re: question > Date: Tuesday, December 15, 1998 2:36 PM > > Hi, everyone. I was wondering if anyone knew why so many people left KY to go > to > Southern Illinois (Pope Co.) back in the 1800's. Was it for farming/land? I > have been > researching my ancestors and they mostly started out in NC, SC, then TN or KY, > then ended in Pope Co., Illinois. > I was just wondering from you history buffs what the attraction was? > Please respond. > Thanks, > Laura