The principal attraction of Illinois was coal mining. Two of my great-uncles emigrated to LaSalle in the 1890s (though one ended up as a local post-master).

"Coal has been mined in 73 counties of Illinois. More than 4,500 coal mines have operated since commercial mining began in Illinois about 1810; fewer than 50 are currently active." from http://miningartifacts.homestead.com/Illinois-Mines.html

There seem to have been quite a lot of mines in Fulton county over the years.

I have found it difficult to find information beyond the 1920 census but you may find something about their lifestyle on this site: http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/

Regards
-Colin