The certificate was issued by the Illinois State Genealogical Society, which has published a series of volumes of abstracts of the information on the certificate applications. Many photographs, historical facts, marriage certificates and other detailed papers about the pioneer ancestors and their descendants are filed with the original applications and are available in the Illinois State Archives.

Certificates are issued in three categories. For those who had pioneer ancestors that settled in Illinois prior to statehood (December 3, 1818), a gold seal with a blue ribbon is affixed to the certificate. For the years 1819-1850 a gold seal only is affixed, and for the years 1851-1880 the seal is stamped on the certificate. Prairie Pioneer Certificates have been issued since 1980.

-- adapted from the PREFACE of Prairie Pioneers of Illinois, Voume II, edited by Beth Rochefort (Springfield, 1988).

The word Illinois, of Indian and French derivation, means "tribe of men." Discovered in 1673, it wasn't until December 3, 1818, that Illinois became a State. Known as the prairie state, many of the pioneer settlers in Illinois lived in log cabins. The trees behind the cabin are white oak, the state tree, which is sometimes referred to as the patriarch of trees. It is the mightiest tree in the mid-western forests, growing stronger and more flourishing from age to age. Symbolically it stands for bravery, sturdiness, and virtue.

The white-tailed deer is the state animal. It is a beautiful swift footed animal of keen vision. Violets, the state flower, grow wild in Illinois, and are found scattered generously throughout the state. They are a symbol of loyalty.

The monarch butterfly is the state insect. The flight of this butterfly is slow, but powerful. The state bird is the cardinal; it remains a resident during the entire year, rarely going more than ten miles from where it was born.

All of the state symbols were chosen by the school children of Illinois. The state tree and flower became official in 1908, the state bird in 1928, the insect in 1975, and the animal in 1981. They are certainly fitting symbols for the great State of Illinois

Artwork by Charles Shaw, Olney, Illinois. (Descriptive sheet accompanies certificate).

Welcome Page    Freeman Family    Societies List    Surnames    Contact Info