many thanks to all who replied to my query. my ancestor will remain a brick wall, perhaps permanently. Francis Lee Collins b. 19 Nov 1832 "near Birmingham" left for California before 1850. brother, uncle and father were all doctors, but no one thought to write their names down. Cornelia ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim & Donna Nix <nixes@mail.bhm.bellsouth.net> To: Cornelia Warner <fenenga@mminternet.com> Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2000 6:10 PM Subject: Re: [ALJEFFER] city directories before 1850 > Cornelia, > > Birmingham, Alabama wasn't founded until 1871. There were no communities in > Jefferson County of a size to have city directories before Birmingham. > > Jim > > > Cornelia Warner wrote: > > > does anyone know if these exist for Birmingham? > > can someone please do a look-up for me if city directories for this time > > period exist? > > I am interested in finding a Dr. Collins-one who died about 1847, and > > another who probably lived past that time. > > I have no access to such records out here on the west coast, so if sks would > > look this up for me, I'd truly appreciate it. > > Cornelia