where2look4ancestors

Category: Batavia Illinois

  • Batavia Public Library

    After undressing in the Kane County Courthouse [sheepish grin], Husband and I found a little pub in downtown Geneva. A flatbread pizza and glass of wine later, I was ready to resume my search for the burial location of my 3rd great-grandmother. Instead of visiting the Kane County Government Center…

  • Harry Wilhelm Tolf

    Born 07 April 1884 in Batavia, Kane, Illinois Died 06 Feb 1964 (Chicago, Cook, Illinois) From the Chicago Tribune, Friday 07 February 1964: “TOLF – Harry W. Tolf, husband of the late Judith; father of Earl, the late Donald, and Harriet Walton; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother of Katherine and Raymond…

  • My Favorite President

    I’ve always felt a connection to President Abraham Lincoln. What a treat it was to meet him in person!    

  • Batavia News Travels to Chicago

    I found it interesting that news from Batavia (roughly 30 miles west of Chicago) was reported in the Chicago Daily News via Elgin Illinois. It’s a reminder to thoroughly search ALL the newspapers in a wider geographic area when I’m on the trail of an elusive ancestor.  

  • Newsworthy in 1913 and 1938

    The following appeared on page 3 of the March 4, 1938 issue of the Batavia Herald; “Photo Contest A quarter of a century makes a big difference in a town. In the jump from 1913 to our present 1938…we have seen a great many changes in our community. Oiled streets…

  • She was a Good Christian Lady

    From the Batavia (Illinois) Herald, Wednesday 16 January 1901: “Death of an Aged Mother – Died, at the home of her daughters, Misses Christina and Amanda Tolf, on Hueston [sic] St., West Batavia, Sunday, Jan 13, 1901, after an illness of several weeks, Mrs. Elena Tolf, aged 78 years. Deceased…

  • Chicago Research – Batavia Illinois

    Batavia Illinois is a lovely suburb about forty miles west of Chicago. The oldest city in Kane County, Batavia was founded in 1833 and many old buildings remain, giving visitors a sense of the community’s rich history. The Fox River runs through the center of town and shady well-kept parks are located along…