The state of Illinois didn't require birth certificates until 1916 and even then it wasn't fully enforced. In the 1930s and 1940s many people got Delayed Birth Certificates to prove their birth for Social Security and the military draft.

There was quite a bit of animosity between the 'whites' and the 'Italians' in and around Willisville in the early 1900s. I have information on my website regarding the 1914 murder and lynching in Willisville at http://www.rafert.org/willisville/killings.htm

There is also information in Jessie Vanover Bird's booklet, "Life in the Past Lane: A brief history of Willisville".

Joel
http://www.rafert.org/home