I am researching my northern Italian ancestors in Illinois. They lived primarily in Torino, Reed Township, Braidwood and Joliet. Some of them moved to Grundy County and others moved further west to Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Guglielmo Valeriano (later changed to William Valerio), wife Caterina Enrietto and family emigrated from Italy in 1880. Initially they settled in Braidwood where William worked in the mines. The children were as follows: Ignazio Valeriano (later changed to George Ignatius Valerio) - my great-grandfather; Charles Valerio who married Teresa Gianetti (Gunetti?); Maria Valeriano (Mary Valerio) who married Bernard (Barney) Perona and lived in Joliet - they later divorced; and Frank Valerio who married Ellen Herman. William and Catherine Valerio moved to Diamond in 1883 but William is buried in Braidwood and I believe Catherine is buried there as well. Other members of the Valerio family have also been buried in Braidwood through the years. My great-grandmother was Ida Fenoglio-Gaddo. She was Ignazio's second wife. His first wife was her sister, Giovanna (or Johanna). She died in 1904. They also had a sister Margherita who married Anton Danzero. I think the Danzeros lived either in Braidwood or in Joliet but they may have lived in Grundy County. Ignazio's oldest son, William Joseph Valerio was a foreman at the Moore Stove Works and died as a result of injuries received there in 1925 (a falling clutch shoe struck him on the head and he died 5 days later at St Joseph Hospital). His widow was Josephine Craterfield. I am wondering if we are reading the spelling of her maiden name correctly because I can find no reference to that surname anywhere on the net - not even in the SSDI. Does anyone know of others with that surname either in Will County or some of the surrounding counties? Ignazio and Ida ran a saloon in Torino called the Alhambra. The family moved to Coal City in 1920 but according to my aunt - the saloon they ran there had no name. I am researching the surnames mentioned above as well as the following related surnames: Gomora, Marsaglia, Corsini, Burla, Pomatto, Delorenzo. I receive info about other Italian families during my research- examples: bios, death certs, marriage licenses, indexes, etc - so I am interested in hearing from anyone researching Italian families in Illinois. I may have some pieces for you and vice versa. Barry Jernigan Son of Winston Eugene Jernigan and Marion Alice Valerio Daughter of Leslie Paulino Valerio (b. Torino, Reed Twp) and Marion Alice Southcombe Son of Ignazio Valeriano/George Ignatius Valerio and Ida Fenoglio-Gaddo Ignazio, son of Guglielmo Valeriano/William Valerio and Caterina Enrietto Ida, daughter of Anton Fenoglio-Gaddo and Liberata Vallero (they never left Italy)

I have found some great information in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763-1900. A question did everyone have to have a license? I found all of my grandparent’s brothers and sisters, but not my grandparents. Also, how do go about finding marriage information after the 1900. I know the Church was burnt down with records and I believe the courthouse in Joliet also had a fire. Thanks for your help! Marjory Kennedy

Hi there, I don't know about the Joliet courthouse having a fire. I found some great probate records as well as marriage records there from 1849 - 1862. Sharon in Surprise, AZ

Hi to everyone out there, I am looking for a Joseph W English that was married to an Anna Lizzie Petrie on 10-31-1895 in Will County. I found this on the Marriage List. Is there anyone out there that can help me? I am wanting information on this man like, when he was born, if any children, his parents name, etc. I am trying to find a Joseph W English born in 1866, I think. If anyone can help me, please E-mail me at [email protected] Thank you Charlotte English

Greetings, Just got this off a couple of other lists. You might want to check it out. Ted >> GOOD NEWS FROM THE ARCHIVES: >> >> Although this will remain "unofficial" for a short >> time, the Statewide Marriage Index worked on for so >> many years by the ISGS, State Archives, and Secretary >> of State Information Systems Services Department is now >> available on the Secretary of State web site. >> >> There is now a link to the marriage database on the >> Archives' homepage which may be reached at the >> following address: >> www.sos.state.il.us/depts/archives/arc_home.html >> Look under the "Search Our Online Databases." >> >> An official announcement concerning the database will >> be pending until more formal arrangements can be made. >> In the meantime, you are invited to give the database a >> test run and report any problems you might experience. >> >> There are currently a little over one million records >> in the online database. Plans are to update the >> database every 6 months or so. Eighty-four counties are >> represented in the online database. Data entry is >> complete for 43 of those counties. Please check out the >> supplemental information that is reached by links on >> the introductory page and the search entry and search >> results pages. >> >> We have tried to make it as clear as possible what >> records are included in the database and how to obtain >> copies of marriage records from IRAD or county clerks. >> IRAD currently has marriage records from 61 of the 84 >> counties represented in the database and we will soon >> accession marriage records from several others. >> >> Karl Moore >> Illinois State Archives >> 217-785-1266 >> [email protected] Researching BREMER, CASH, CORNELIUS, HARTWIG, JENNINGS, MANNING, MORTENSEN, PIEPHO, SEEGERS Personal Website: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~cash/ USGenWeb Coordinator for http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilbond - Bond Co, IL http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilclay - Clay Co, IL http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilwill - Will Co, IL Support public genealogy - join or sponsor the RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative. http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/how-to-subscribe.html

Searching for info on the Raymond family. John Raymond was married to Lousia _________, probably on Denmark. They had 2 children Edward & Harriet, both born in Denmark. The family settled in Will County, Illinois about 1843. John and Lousia are presumed to be buried in Will County. Am looking for their graves. Can anyone tell me what cemeteries were in service 1880s & 1890s in Will County, near DuPage? Thanks for any info. Laurie

At 12:34 AM 10/5/1999 , you wrote: >Hi listers: > >I am looking for an internet contact to tell me where to find Will >County draft registrations for World War I. I've used them in Iowa and >I assume they are available in Illinois as well. What I am used to in >Iowa is a microfilm of registration cards, giving the usual information >for registrant/future draftees, such as name, birthplace, height, >weight, color of eyes, etc. > >Can anyone give me a lead? > >Tnaks in advance. > >[email protected] Hi, I found some email I had tucked away that might help. Take a look at the following link. http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~haas/learningcenter/ww1draftcards.htm Ted Researching BREMER, CASH, CORNELIUS, HARTWIG, JENNINGS, MANNING, MORTENSEN, PIEPHO, SEEGERS Personal Website: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~cash/ USGenWeb Coordinator for http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilbond - Bond Co, IL http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilclay - Clay Co, IL http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilwill - Will Co, IL Support public genealogy - join or sponsor the RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative. http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/how-to-subscribe.html

Hi list, The originals of these cards are at the National Archives branch in Atlanta. I've used them there to check on ancestors in both PA and IL. Whether or not they will do lookups - I'm not sure. Also not sure if they have been microfilmed. Sharon in Surprise, AZ http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/g/a/l/Sharon-H-Galitz/index.html http://home.switchboard.com/shgalitz

I, too, would be very interested in finding out if these cards are available. Pat Mount

Hi listers: I am looking for an internet contact to tell me where to find Will County draft registrations for World War I. I've used them in Iowa and I assume they are available in Illinois as well. What I am used to in Iowa is a microfilm of registration cards, giving the usual information for registrant/future draftees, such as name, birthplace, height, weight, color of eyes, etc. Can anyone give me a lead? Tnaks in advance. [email protected]

I now have documented proof that two small children came over on the ship on Nov. 1884 with my gggrandparents, but they have not shown up on any census. The 1890 census was destroyed so now I would like to have some guidance to see what happened with the two children. Would the Catholic church has any records of the death of the two children? The ship's manifiest does not state there was any deaths. The next child was born in Coal City, so I am not sure if I should check in the archives or what? The Will-Grundy Co genealogy can not find any records of their deaths. Would appreciate any help with this one. Thanks Arlene [email protected]

I'm sending a letter for information on my Great Grandfather. Questions: Do I send it to Will County Clerks Office or Springfield? How much does it cost? Do I send the money with the letter? Caren

KESTER / KOHLHAGEN / HERSCHBACH In going through an old scrapbook that belonged to my mother Grace KOHLHAGEN, who was born in Frankfort, Will Co., IL I found two items refering to people with the sur-name KESTER, who were "COUSINS." Any help in placing these KESTER family members on our family tree will be greatly appreciated. June 1918 - a letter to my mother from PVT. Herbert KESTER in the Engineers Corps stationed in France, during WW I signed "Cousin Herbert." June 1927 - newspaper clipping announcing the death of a Miss Eliz. KESTER, age 53, who died in Chicago & was buried in St. Johns Cemetery in Mokena, IL. Article stated the funeral was attended by COUSINS Frank KOHLHAGEN (my grandfather) & Otto HERSCHBACK (my gt. uncle) of Frankfort, IL.. She was survived by a brother Henry KESTER of Santa Ana, CA. Sue Gardner Shreve

Eileen, I searched the Illinois State Genealogical Society's "Illinois Marriage Index 1763-1900" (12/96 ed.) CD and found: Michael MANGAN and Mrs. Bridget McENERNEY, 7 Sep 1881, Cook Co, IL Michael MANGAN and Katie KELLEY, 15 Nov 1880, Cook Co, IL Michael MANGAN and Alice EBIT, 1 Feb 1880, Cook Co, IL In Will Co there was a marriage of: Patrick MANGEN and Margaret LYNCH 8 Nov 1869 James MANGAN and Mrs. Louisa KRONMEYER SMITH 7 Mar 1894 Please note marriages for the following counties are NOT included: Boone, Clark, Douglas, Grundy, Hardin, Jersey, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, Monroe, Multrie, Pulaski, Putnam, Stephenson, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne, Williamson, and Woodford. Hope you find this information useful, Susan > > I am looking for any information on the MANGAN family, whol lived in Will > County circa 1880-1900. In particular I am looking for Michael MANGAN. > > Eileen

I am looking for any information on the MANGAN family, whol lived in Will County circa 1880-1900. In particular I am looking for Michael MANGAN. Eileen

Looking for information on FRANK DA RIN (could be spelled DARIN) my gggrandfather. Born Italy 1869--possibly town of Cadora in Rovigo Province; lived in Lockport, Illinois in 1893 with wife PHILOMENA PITTLAUD-DA RIN; daughter JULIA DA RIN born May 1893 in Lockport--she married EMILIO SMANIA 1909; moved to Oglesby (Portland) Illinois by 1900. Lived there until +/-1926 then returned to Italy. Still alive at end of WW II. Contractor in Oglesby while there, also police chief +/-1922 thru Dec 1925. Witnessed naturalization of JOHN DA RIN, La Salle County, Illinois 19 January 1904. No record of FRANK DA RIN'S naturalization in La Salle County--possibly Will County. No birth record of daughter in Will County. Relatives in Rutland, Illinois, 1925--believed to be JOE DA RIN & wife JULIA ZANETTO-DA RIN (married @ Rutland 8 June 1901)--JOE'S parents were ANTON AND CORONA DA RIN--buried in St Patrick's Cemetery, Will County, Illinois. Also had niece--JULIETTA (JULIA ) DA RIN--who lived with family in Oglesby, then later in Peru, Illinois as late as 1925--possibly a teacher. Possible relatives--JOE DA RIN, naturalized 1904 in La Salle County; VICTOR JOHN DA RIN--petition to naturalize 1920, electrician by trade, lived in La Salle, Illinois in 1920.

Please respond to Sharon at [email protected] -- this week only. Ted This is Sharon from Surprise, AZ. I'm in Washington, DC with my husband with easy access to the National Archives. Since I have exhausted their resources for my own research, I am willing to search the U.S. Federal census for Illinois or any state. What I need is name (of all in the family if possible), approximate ages, and whatever details you might have. I cannot do your research for you, but I'm willing to take the data you have and have a look at the census records. This is a free offer and will keep me from getting too bored (I've been to DC too many times). Until Thursday noon, September 11 you can reach me at [email protected]

Hi folks, Could anyone advise me as to where to write or call to obtain old land transaction records for Will County? ...the County Clerk's Office possibly? Specifically, I am interested in both Wheatland Township and Plainfield Township in the period between 1833 and 1888. I am researching the origins of the Tyler family in Will County. My g-g-g-grandfather, Simeon B. Tyler came to Will County from Bethel, NY sometime between 1832 and 1837. He was in Will County by 24 April 1837 as proved by his marriage to Ruth W. Flanders at Plainfield. An 1862 map of Will County shows Simeon as having acreage in Section 36 of Wheatland Twp. and acreage in Section 1 of Plainfield Twp. LeBaron's 1878 History of Will County Illinois has a short biographical sketch on Simeon. Simeon and Ruth had children who also settled in the area. I would also be interested in locating land records for these descendants. If anyone could guide me in the right direction, I would be greatly appreciative. Also, I would like to hear from anyone who might have any information on the Tyler family or descendants. Thanks. Dave Tyler - Fort Worth, TX

Am researching the following surnames: JORGENSON, HAAKE, BEYSTEHNER, DILLON, GADKE, GIENAP, JORGENSEN, JORGESON, AAGESON ...all of which have Will County, Illinois roots. Would be interested in hearing from Will County researchers with an interest in these, or associated, surnames. Have identified over 13,700 family members so far (by blood and/or marriage). Also publish a (free to family members) CD containing this information plus hundreds of scanned images, and have a web page at: http://JorgensonFamily.HomePage.Com/ Have also sent a copy of the CD to the Joliet Public Library, although you'll probably have to make a request to see it there - I don't believe they're set up to file CD's openly and so probably just keep it in the back. Thank you, E. Tom Jorgenson [email protected]

Can anyone tell me if there is an index of marriages in Will Co. that would cover the years 1886-1887? Also, is there an index of births in Will County that would cover the years 1894-1895? Specifically, I am looking for the following: Marriage of John Swandak/Swandock/Swietkowski to Katherine ? between 1886 and 1887 in Joliet. Birth of Francesca Swandak/Swandock/Swietkowska in 1894 or 1895 in Joliet. Finally, I have not dealt with immigration and naturalization records before and I'm wondering if someone with experience in this area can give me some guidance... According to the 1910 census, John Swandock immigrated from Poland in 1883. The census indicates that he was naturalized, but does not indicate when. Where do I request copies of these records? Also, do I need to have specific dates to request records? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance! Colleen (-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-) http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/6149 (-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-)(-::-) -- Visit http://www.ivillage.com for your FREE iVillage.com email account. iVillage.com: The #1 Women's Network -- Real Solutions for Real Women.