Zion Genealogical Society of Lake County (Illinois, USA)

October 21, 2024

Start time: 7:00 PM

Attendance: 20 members attended: 12 in-person and 8 zoom. 7 guests on zoom.

PROGRAM

Vicki Mattson introduced our speaker, Michael John Neill who spoke on Probate Records: An Overview

The Process

After a death, the probate proceedings begin within 90 days.

The estate falls into one of two categories:

If there is no will, the principal heir petitions the court to begin the probate process.

The will is recorded and the executor is approved. If the executor does not or cannot execute the estate, an administrator is appointed by the court.

The estate is appraised and an inventory of items listed.

In more recent times, a publication notice is put in newspaper, and claims against the estate should be filed within a specific time period.

Where To Obtain Rrecords

Probate Records can be found at the county level. Begin the search at the county courthouse. Look at FamilySearch for older records.

The program was then open for questions, after which Vicki thanked Michael Neill for a very informative presentation.

BUSINESS MEETING

Our president, Joanne Layne, reminded the members that our previous minutes can be found on our website.

Treasurer Report
Teresa reported that our balance as of September 30, 2024 was $5,104.43. We started the year with a balance of $ 5,076.42. Being able to maintain the value throughout the year was due to generous donations, fundraising (bake sale) and dues. She is currently doing the budget for the 2024-2025 year.

Website Redesign
Joanne L. announced that a committee has been set up and are working with Caron Brennon with the redesign of our webpage. Myra Coddens had a committee meeting October 18th, 2024 and will be coordinating communication with Caron during this process.

Volunteer of the Year
Joanne Layne announced that Joan Bomkamp has been voted Volunteer of the Year, with Charleen McFarlin as the runner up. Joan B will receive $150 and Charleen M. will receive $75. Each prize winner is to use the prize money toward any genealogical related items such as books, programs, conferences etc. Congratulations to both of our volunteers!

2025 Programs
Joanne announced that there will be a Program Meeting Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2-4 PM at the Zion Benton Public Library.

Conference
Vicki Mattson announced that the 2025 Northern Illinois Genealogical Conference will be held at the McHenry County College, Crystal Lake. In addition, the following Genealogical Societies are participating: Boone County Genealogical Society, BIGWILL, Illinois State Genealogical Society, Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society, Winnebago County Genealogical Society, and the Zion Genealogical Society. Each of the following speakers will do 4 classes: Maureen Brady, Debra Dudek, Tina Beaird, and Peggy Lauritzen. Lunch will be provided. Due to the expense of this conference, McHenry Genealogical Society has asked for both monetary as well as people support. Our society will be supporting this with a $250 donation and hopefully many of our membership can attend. We are also looking for donations of door prizes

Library News
Joanne announced that 75 books have been recategorized for the purpose of making it easier for our patrons to find within a certain category such as a state/county. Also, our “family files”, consisting of queries on family names, or donated information regarding a family, had been stored in a filing cabinet in a separate room. They have now been moved out by the Platt Map for access by patrons. Charleen McFarlin and Joanne are creating a list to be displayed on our web page.

Sylvia England, founder of the African American Museum, announced that there will be a meeting entitled “Ancestor Digital Experience” to be held on October 31st , 2024 at the Waukegan Public Library from 5:30-7:30. She explained that this group started October 10th, 2024 and each week they will learn how to find their ancestors through the digital medium. This will be over an 8-week timeframe.

Community Hub
These are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:30-4:30 at the Zion Benton Public Library. Carol Awe, Joanne Layne and Nancy Scott will be attending on November 6th, 2024.

Meeting ended: 8:20 PM

Respectively submitted,
Joan Bomkamp
ZGS Secretary Pro-Tem

Updated November 11, 2024