Thanks Irma and all the others! I don't know why I did not join this list long ago- my first query and a wealth of info and help appears! You are wonderful! I am not sure when I will be able to get to Selma but it is in the planning stage. Perhaps sometime this summer. I was hoping that the records were mainly intact since (if history & memory serves me) Selma was occupied through a portion of the War. (where I live they still call it the "WAR" as if no other war ever happened). I know that in my 3rd grt grandfather's information (William Page Molette who was the original Molette settler) it stated that he died on April 15, 1865- shot in the back by a Yankee-So I figure Selma was occupied at least during the last part of the war. Knowing the extent of records helps in planning how many days needed to research- now all I have to do is get the husband to drive all day and night to get there- entertain himself in a strange city for about five days while I dig through books then drive all day and night back home...HUMMMM Once again thanks Sandra Mann Oakley- A Virginian with Alabama Roots!-