Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records, 1695-1956

Illinois Bellville Church Records

A help guide for accessing the images of parish registers recording the events of baptism, first communion, confirmation (to 1907), marriage (to 1930) or death (to 1956) in the Diocese of Belleville (Illinois), Roman Catholic Church. The index to some volumes may reference pages within a given volume beyond current publication dates. As such, these images are not currently available. In addition to traditional parish registers, this collection includes a small number of census, church history, family and financial records. To assist the researcher I have broken down the available registers by county and name of parish, including the years covered by those parish records.

Biography of James Calvin Morrow

James Calvin Morrow, who passed away on July 4, 1912, was a prominent figure in the development of Washington County, Kansas. Born in 1846 in Ohio, he was a dedicated businessman and banker, known for his humility and generosity. Morrow played a critical role in local agriculture, stock trading, and real estate, founding Morrowville and serving as president of the First National Bank of Washington. He also had a significant political career, being a respected state legislator and Republican leader. Morrow’s legacy is marked by his commitment to community and family values.

Biographical Sketch of William H. F. Gabe

William H. F. Gabe, a pioneer in Mitchell County, played a significant role in the development of Beloit, Kansas. Born in Germany in 1837, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1868 and settled in Mitchell County with his wife in 1870. Initially living in a dugout, they contributed to the community by hosting the first town meeting and boarding sawmill workers. Gabe sold part of his homestead in 1886 to help establish Beloit. He and his wife raised five children and continued to improve their estate, remaining active in both the Lutheran Church and local affairs.

Biography of Charles W. Kent

Charles W. Kent, a veteran newspaper man from Coffeyville, Kansas, had a remarkable life, including serving as a boy soldier in the Union Army. He founded the Gate City Independent in 1893, evolving it from a weekly to a daily publication before settling on its current weekly format, catering to local farmers. Born in 1848 in Illinois, Kent’s lineage traces back to Mayflower passengers. He was involved in various newspaper roles and political activities, marrying multiple times and raising a family. Kent remains a notable figure in local history, deeply intertwined with the community’s development.