Mindy D. Garrett
Schuyler County Clerk and Recorder
102 S. Congress St., Ste. 104 | Rushville, IL 62681
217-322-4734
clerk85@schuylercountyil.gov
fax 217-322-6164
PLEASE NOTE: The office of the County Clerk cannot give legal advice.
Meet Our Team
Stephanie Maxwell, Deputy County Clerk
depclerk3@schuylercountyil.gov
Marisa Paisley, Deputy County Clerk
depclerk2@schuylercountyil.gov
Justin Sillars, Deputy County Clerk
Judy Ward, Deputy County Clerk
Primary Duties of the county clerk
The county clerk is the keeper of all county records. Duties of the county clerk’s office range from administering elections to conducting a great deal of the state’s taxation duties. The complexity of the recording process, along with the volume of work and the many different types of instruments required to be filled in the clerk’s office, place much responsibility on the clerk.
major functions of the Clerk’s Office
Vital Record
Birth Certificates
Our office keeps birth records on file of people born in Schuyler County beginning in 1877. For birth certificates of people not born in Schuyler County, please contact either the county of birth or the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records at 217- 782-6554 (10 am - 3 pm).
Cost: $15 for the first certified copy, $10 for each additional copy of the same record, when purchased at the same time.
To obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate, you must be one of the following:
- The person named on the record, if 18 years or older.
- The parent (listed on the certificate) of the child whose certificate is being requested.
- A legal guardian with certified court documentation proving verification of guardianship.
- A legal representative with authorized documentation.
- An agent authorized by power of attorney.
A genealogical copy may be obtained if the certificate has been on file for 75 years or longer.
Death Certificates
Our office keeps death records on file of people who passed away in Schuyler County beginning in 1877. For death certificates of people who passed away outside of Schuyler County, please contact either the county where the death occurred or the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records at 217-782-6554 (10 am - 3 pm).
Cost: $20 for the first certified copy, $14 for each additional copy of the same record, when purchased at the same time.
To obtain a certified copy of a death certificate, you must be one of the following:
- The informant listed on the death certificate.
- The next of kin.
- The executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate.
- Someone who has a personal interest in the certificate.
A genealogical copy may be obtained if the certificate has been on file for 20 years or longer.
Marriage/Civil Union Certificates
Our office keeps marriage/Civil Union records on file of people married in Schuyler County beginning in 1825. For marriage certificates of people not married in Schuyler County, please contact either the county of marriage or the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records at 217-782-6554 (10 am - 3 pm).
Cost: $15 for the first certified copy, $10 for each additional copy of the same record, when purchased at the same time.
Who may obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate?
- Only the bride, groom or partners in a marriage or civil union may request a certified copy of a marriage record.
A genealogical copy may be obtained if the certificate has been on file for 50 years or longer.
| I Want to Obtain my Certified Copy | ID Type Needed | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| In Person | Original | Cash or check made out to Schuyler County Clerk |
| By Mail* | Copy | Check or money order made out to Schuyler County Clerk |
| Online | Copy | Credit or debit card |
All requests, whether they are made in person, by mail or online, must be accompanied by an unexpired Driver's License, State ID, Military ID or passport of the requestor. If you do not have any of these forms of identification, contact our office at 217-322-4734.
* If the request is made via mail you will need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Absolutely no information can be given over the telephone regarding if a vital record is filed in Schuyler County.
Vital Records (birth, death, marriage and civil union certificates) are not public records, and therefore are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Genealogical Research
Schuyler County has genealogical records on file for birth and death starting in 1877 and marriage records starting in 1825. Illinois Law did not require birth or death records to be recorded until 1916. If the record is not in the index, no record is on file.
Genealogical researchers are welcome to search through our publicly available birth, death and marriage books prior to requesting certificates to ensure we have the record. Walk-in requestors may be asked to leave a list of requested records; certificates will be mailed to the applicant upon processing. All genealogical searches are conducted as staffing permits.
Cost: $5 for genealogical record fees.
Schuyler Jail Museum
Restored Jail and Genealogical Center
US 24 - 200 S. Congress St. | Rushville, IL 62681
217-322-6975
schuylerjailmuseum@yahoo.com
View Schuyler Jail Museum Website
The Schuyler Jail Museum is a fascinating showcase of pioneer life on the Illinois frontier, with well-displayed collections depicting home and farm life in the area from its founding in 1828. In addition, the museum is home to one of the largest collections of genealogical records in the area and frequently hosts visitors from a wide area to research family records.
If out of the county, call or email for volunteer availability.
Summer Hours
April 1 – November 1
12 - 4 pm | Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
Winter Hours
Closed November 30 – January 15
Open January 15 – April 1
12 - 4 pm | Monday & Saturday
