Early History and County Registration
Local custom: Early Illinois farmers and livestock dealers relied on simple ear-notches, cuts, and hot-iron brands to show ownership when livestock grazed on shared or open lands.
County clerks: Ownership marks were historically registered directly with individual County Clerks under early statutes like “An Act in regard to marks and brands”.
Mark and Brands: Livestock brands and marks in Illinois transitioned from local, county-level record-keeping to a centralized state-managed system defined by the Illinois Brand Act. This legal framework ensures clear ownership and aids disease control.
Joseph Forney 1867 Brand
Roswell Goings 1846
To view the archive of recorded Marks and Brands for the county from 1841-1870
History and photos submitted by Laure J. Adams
