The Pope County Illinois Historical Society honors those whose families contributed to our county’s rich history with the Pope Pioneer Program Certificate. Certificates are available to direct descendants of early pioneers who settled in Pope County Illinois prior to December 31, 1900.
Founding Settler – those who settled in Pope County Illinois area before December 3, 1818, when Illinois became a state.
Early Pioneer – those who settled in Pope County Illinois between December 3, 1818 -December 31, 1860.
Heyday Pioneer – those who settled in Pope County Illinois between January 1, 1861 - December 31, 1900.
A pioneer who settled in the sections of Pope County Illinois which later became Hardin County (1839) and Massac County (1843) is eligible.
To receive a Pope Pioneer Certificate the applicant must complete the Pope Pioneer Application and submit it with supporting documentation showing they are a direct descendant of a Pope Pioneer.
Applicant must be a direct descendant from an individual who settled as an adult (age 18 or over) in Pope County, Illinois the during specific timeframes above. A direct relationship is through bloodline (i.e., “child of a child”). Indirect relationships such as sibling, uncle, aunt, cousin, etc. do not qualify.
The fee for each application is $30. One certificate is included in the fee and will be mailed after eligibility has been verified.
All funds received through the Pope Pioneer Program support the Pope County Illinois Historical Society Museum and their efforts to maintain a living history of Pope County Illinois and the people who influenced its development in the past and in the future.
To receive a Pope Pioneer Certificate the applicant must complete the Pope Pioneer Application and submit it with supporting documentation showing they are a direct descendant of a Pope Pioneer. The fee for each application is $30.
A Listing of Approved Pope Pioneers along with their Proven Descendants
This is a sample of an approved Pope Pioneer application for a Founding Settler which includes all the supporting documentation. Information regarding living individuals has been redacted.
This is an example of an approved Pope Pioneer with documentation in the Early Pioneer category.
Our purpose is to discover and preserve important artifacts and information related to one of the oldest counties in Illinois! Formed in 1816, Pope County is in the southeastern corner of Illinois. We strive to preserve our rich history for future generations.
PO Box 837, 112 N Columbus Ave, Golconda, Illinois 62938, USA
