We are excited to share that we have published a new database, Illinois: Cook County, Births, 1871-1953. This valuable database contains 4,034,139 records and 9,782,424 names!
This collection of over 4 million Cook County, IL birth records was created by FamilySearch from over 5,908 original record volumes. Although the collection is titled “Illinois: Cook County, Births, 1871-1953,” the birth years range as early as the early 1800’s. Some records are “delayed” records of earlier births that occurred outside Cook County and were created via affidavit. It should also be noted that although the great majority of births occurred in Chicago, the records often refer to either Chicago neighborhoods or community areas, to other Cook County towns such as Evanston, Berwyn, Cicero, etc., or occasionally, to more distant locations such as other states, Europe, or Asia.
It’s important to note that this collection is “transcript only.” Each record, however, contains a link to the FamilySearch website where the image of the record may be viewed. Image viewing is possible when logged into Familysearch.org from an FamilySearch affiliate Library (such as the American Ancestors library in Boston), or a FamilySearch center. Here is a link to FamilySearch center locations. Copies of birth certificates for this time period may be ordered from Cook County Clerk, and more information about this collection can be found here.
This database was made possible with the help of our long-time volunteer, Sam Sturgis. We greatly appreciate all of his hard work on this project!
This database is available to all American Ancestors members, including Guest Members, at no cost. Consider membership.