Herein are the pioneers who settled the State of Illinois before it became a State. These are the stories of the men and women who braved the perils of wild country as a challenge to the limits of human existence during their time. We cover the industries they brought or developed, the natural disasters they endured, and the native population they encountered. In time, we hope Southern Illinois Pioneers will provide genealogists and curiosity seekers detailed information about Illinois pioneers, and lists of their descendants.