The 1918 Flu Epidemic in Illinois- Resources to Learn More about Your Ancestors

Image from the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Vol 74, Illinois Digital Archives (idaillinois.org)

With the recent illness and uncertainty, the ISGS Board hopes that you and your family are staying healthy. Members, please check the ISGS website for updates on our office closure, and more detailed information on the impact to our services will be sent to you very soon.

The recent coronavirus outbreak has lead many family historians to wonder how their ancestors handled the 1918 flu epidemic over 100 years ago. The flu epidemic had a global impact, occuring during the final days of World War I as American soldiers traveled to the frontlines of Europe; unknowingly carrying the virus with them.

The flu epidemic hit even the smallest, rural towns of Illinois. Local historical societies, archives and newspapers have fortunately kept records of the the flu's impact, and many resources to learn more about your Illinois ancestors can be found online. Here is a list of some helpful resources to get you started.

Local History

• Illinois and the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic, Genealogy Trails
• University of Michigan's Influenza Encyclopedia- Chicago, Illinois
• The 1918 flu in Belleville- Belleville News-Democrat
• The Influenza Epidemic in Winnetka- Winnetka Historical Society
• "Peoria's 1918 Spanish Flu Terror," Norman V. Kelly, Peoria Public Library
• DePaul University- Chicago Influenza Outbreak of 1918
• "Killer flu hits Springfield," Tara McClellan McAndrew, Illinois Times

Genealogy Research

• Illinois State Archives 1916-1950 Death Certificate Index, CyberDriveIllinois
• "The 1918 Flu Pandemic and Your Ancestor," David A. Fryxell, Family Tree Magazine
• "Did your Ancestor Die in the Spanish Flu Pandemic?" AncestorNews
• "Epidemics and Genealogy," Fauquier Public Library

Free Webinars

Fountaindale Public Library's WWI Genealogy Workshop- "Pandemic 1918: Celebrating the Spanish Influenza During the Great War" with ISGS' own Tina Beaird

Additionally, ISGS members will find lots of helpful Illinois research resources in our webinar collection, containing over 80 archived webinars!


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