Author

Local History Program Coordinator at the Pekin Public Library. I oversee the library’s local history room collection, write a weekly local history column/weblog for the library, and present local history programs at the library and in the community.

Author's Articles

Gideon Hawley (1797-1852) and his family were among the earliest pioneer settlers...

Jared L. Olar

July 9, 2025

At the time of his death, Pekin attorney W. B. Cooney (1859-1922)...

Jared L. Olar

July 3, 2025

The landscape of Pekin, Illinois, is filled with the enduring historical evidence...

Jared L. Olar

June 26, 2025

Recently the ongoing rehabilitation and renovation work at the 900 and 902...

Jared L. Olar

June 12, 2025

This week we conclude our outline of the descendants of Nancy (Hurst)...

Jared L. Olar

June 5, 2025

This week we continue our outline pedigree of the descendants of Peter...

Jared L. Olar

May 29, 2025

Next month, Tazewell County will celebrate Juneteenth with a program on Thursday,...

Jared L. Olar

May 22, 2025

Numbered among the notable businessmen of Pekin’s “Gilded Age” was John William...

Jared L. Olar

May 15, 2025