Genealogy/Local History
Rochelle is located in the southeast corner of Ogle County - bordering on Lee and DeKalb Counties so the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library Genealogy & Local History collection emphasizes local history, family histories and genealogical materials from these three counties. The Library maintains a basic collection of ‘how-to’ books which may be checked out as well as a reference collection of county histories, cemetery indexes, family histories, city directories, the Rochelle High School yearbooks and county plat books.
Thanks to the generosity of Doris Vogel, the Ogle County Genealogical Society, Pat Esterday, and the local Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District has a wide variety of genealogy-related periodicals and an on-going obituary file which can be used to help you trace your family history. In addition to the print materials, the Library owns the U.S. Federal Census reels for Ogle County and the Rochelle newspapers on microfilm dating back to 1863. Copies can be made from the microfilm at a cost of 15¢ per page.
While Library Staff will attempt to complete genealogy searches in a timely manner daily library services are our main priority. We can help with your research by searching our county histories and local newspapers on microfilm for news articles and obituaries. The Rochelle newspapers are not indexed so we appreciate all of the information you can provide to narrow your search. To request a search please fill out the online form or send your request in writing with a self, addressed, stamped envelope to Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District, 619 Fourth Avenue, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 ATTN: Genealogy. Every effort will be made to fill requests in a timely manner. Donations to off-set copy costs are always welcomed and will be used to purchase additional genealogy and local history materials.
Links
Ogle County Cemeteries
Access through Ancestry.com. Some records are free but most collections require a subscription.
Ogle County, Ill Genealogy - Courthouse Records and Ancestry
Access through FamilyHistory101.com to Ogle County, Illinois History, Genealogy, Societies, Court, Probate, Land, Tax, Census, Church, Cemetery, Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records. Some records are free but some require a subscription.
Ogle County, Illinois Genealogy Links
Access through Genealogylinks.net to census records, military records, cemetery indexes, vital records and more.
Cyndi's List
Free resources. Just starting?--check out the beginner page.
FamilySearch
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsors this free website.
Ancestry.com
Access to some records is free but most collections require a subscription.