Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) System Illinois State Archives
IRAD Home • Administrative Histories / Record Descriptions • Local Government Records Database • Quick Links • Regional Map and Contact Information • Research Policy
Brown County

Brown County Courthouse
200 W. Court
Mt. Sterling, IL 62353
217-773-3421 – County Clerk
217-773-2713 – Circuit Clerk
217-773-3421 – Recorder
IRAD Depository
University Library
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
309-298-2716
Established
- February 1, 1839 (Laws, 1839, p. 52)
Origin of the name of the county
- Named for Jacob Brown, Major General during the War of 1812, who won distinction at Sackett's Harbor, Chippewa and Niagara.
Present area, or parts of it, formerly included in
- 1825–1839 – Schuyler
- 1821–1825 – Pike
- 1812–1821 – Madison
- 1795–1812 – St. Clair
County Seats
- 1839–present – Mount Sterling
History of county governing board
- 1839–1849 – County Commissioners’ Court
- 1849–1854 – County Court
- 1854–present – County Board of Supervisors
Documented Record Losses
- March 8, 1939 – Fire. Some records lost or damaged.
Township Government
- Adopted – November 8, 1853
Township Names
- Buckhorn
- Cooperstown
- Elkhorn
- Lee
- Missouri
- Mt. Sterling
- Pea Ridge
- Ripley
- Versailles
Township Map
Pertinent Databases