In 1824, the date in question, was it common practice or whatever, for , I assume, a "poor" farmer to have a will, if he owned land or not ?? Does Edgar Co. maintain their own records and do they have a Library or Genealogical Society ? I appreciate all the information I can get. I am surprised there have not been more response to the Cotton surname, if they were some of the first settlers in that area of Edgar/Vermilion Counties. I had a search done some years ago through Illiana Genealogical Society in Danville, some information, not too much, did document Robert Cottons' presence in the area in the early 1820s. Lost track of his widow, Mary Brooks Cotton after his death in 1824. What a puzzle !! Lois