This site is the result of my many years of family history research. I started out wanting to know more about my family history just out of curiosity. That led me to talking to and then later interviewing various family members. Those conversations gave me a lot of information that I appreciated but in some cases I was doubtful of it’s complete authenticity. I just found it hard to believe that I was related to such prominent individuals in the foundation of this country while the current generation was anything but prominent.  I decided to try to find proof of where I had come from

In seeking that proof I began reading old newspapers and books wherever I could find them.  Most of those books were at the public library though I did find some, important to me, books in the possession family members  It was during this period of reading that I began to really appreciate history. I became interested in history other than just about my family because this general reading of history gave me a better understanding of the life my ancestors led. It just seemed to give me a closer relationship with them.

Two of the books that I found in the possession of family members were “The Story of Illinois And Its People” by Nida and “Franklin County History Centennial Addition” by HM Aiken. I found original copies of both of these books.  They are no longer protected by copyright and I intend to post them in their entirety on this website.  I will do some editing to promote readability and insert some additional information that should be of interest to genealogists and the average reader.  Because of my editing and the additional information provided, this website is protected by copyright.