Discovering Your Ancestors' Final Resting Places in Illinois: A Guide to Online Resources

Illinois is home to numerous cemeteries and burial grounds, each holding the secrets of generations past. For those seeking to uncover their ancestors' final resting places, a variety of online resources are available. In this article, we'll explore some of the most valuable tools for finding graves in Illinois.

One of the most comprehensive sources is Ancestry's Illinois Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999. Although coverage varies by county, this database offers a wealth of information for researchers. Another resource available on Ancestry is the Illinois Select Deaths Index, 1877-1916. While it doesn't include all counties, it still provides valuable insights into your ancestors' lives.

For those researching in Cook County, a separate death index is available from 1871 to 1915. Additionally, FamilySearch offers access to Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947, which is a free resource. If you're looking for more recent records, the Illinois Statewide Death Records Index, 1951-1971, and the Illinois Statewide Death Records Index, 1916-1950, are both useful resources.

Beyond these databases, online indexes and cemetery burials can provide valuable information about your ancestors' final resting places. Some notable sources include:

* A version of Ancestry's database is also available at FamilySearch: Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947 (requires free registration) index only

* Illinois Statewide Death Records Index, pre-1916 for only a few counties

By utilizing these online resources, researchers can uncover their ancestors' graves and gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Whether you're searching for a specific individual or tracing your family tree, these tools will help guide your journey.

Illinois find a grave index