Just got an email from the Chicago Genealogical Society with information that's relevant to Chicago/Cook County genealogical researchers. In short, there's a bill coming up that would reduce the cost to obtain a coroner's inquest record from the current exorbitant fees (it can run hundreds of dollars to get a file) to an affordable rate. If you are an Illinois resident, consider voicing your opinion on the issue. Information about the bill can be found here: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4210&GAID=15&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=123197&SessionID=108&SpecSess=&Session=&GA=101 And, this form can be used to submit comments: http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/123197?committeeHearingId=17574&LegislationId=123197&LegislationDocumentId=156293
The Cook County Recorder of Deeds doesn’t offer research services by mail (If that’s changed, please let me know!) so the general rule is that it’s necessary to go in person (or send someone on your behalf) in order to do property research. But, with a bit of newspaper digging and a good dose of genealogical luck, you might be able to find Cook County property transactions recorded in the digitized volumes that are available in the FamilySearch catalog under " Cook County, Illinois deed records, ca. 1872-1886 ." Check Newspapers For example, if your Chicago ancestor had property sold at public auction you may be able to find a legal notice published in local newspaper, much like this one for Thomas and Mary Ella Parker. Try searching newspapers for names along keywords like "trustee’s sale," "trust deed," "recorded" and "auction." I tried it using my Newspapers Publishers Extra subscription but there may be other ways to access