This database indexes the names of male residents of the Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Home admitted from its opening in 1887 through September 1916. Female residents are also included from their first admissions in 1908 through September 1916. The database contains more than 14,000 entries. The 1st –16th Biennial Reports of the Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Home are the sources of the names included in the database.
In 1885 the General Assembly created the Illinois Soldiers' and Sailors' Home at Quincy to provide subsistence and a home for honorably discharged and disabled veterans of the Mexican and Civil Wars. In succeeding years Illinois veterans of all wars and veterans' wives, mothers, and daughters became eligible for admission. In 1973 the General Assembly changed the home's name to the Illinois Veterans' Home. Since 1976 the Department of Veterans' Affairs has administered the home.
The database was created and donated to the Illinois State Archives by Fred Delap of Kansas, Illinois. Delap, a volunteer with the Edgar County Genealogical Society, has also indexed the names of Illinois veterans of the War of 1812, Winnebago War, Black Hawk War, Mexican War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War.
For male residents, the researcher can use his name and resident number to request an uncertified and unofficial photocopy of his case file. The record series, Veterans' Case Files (RS 259.002), includes an admission application which lists veteran's name, age, birthplace, residence, physical features, enlistment record, and nature of any disability; certificate of service; hospital surgeon's report; death certificate; will of deceased veteran; inventory of personal effects; and correspondence concerning veteran's admission to and activities while at the home.
For female residents, the researcher can use her name and resident number to request an uncertified and unofficial photocopy of her admission record entry. The record series, Women's Admission Record (RS 259.003), includes for each woman her name, register number, town and county of residence, and dated notes on admission, readmission, furlough, discharge, or death. Also listed is the name, rank, company, and regiment of related veteran and, if veteran also was admitted to the home, his register number. Copies of certifications of women's deaths sent to the Adjutant General are occasionally inserted in the record. Send your request to:
Illinois State Archives
Reference Unit
Margaret Cross Norton Building
Capitol Complex
Springfield, Illinois 62756
217-782-4866
217-524-3930 (fax)
Submit a Request Via the Internet