Laura, I am from Elmore County, Alabama (15 miles from Macon) and am descended from the Mims family. I was down there last year researching at the Macon County Courthouse & can give you info. on the state of records as of that time. The state of timber rattlers in Alabama is as it always has been - if you are going rambling in deserted graveyards, wear boots, long pants, and don't put your hands or feet anyplace you can't see. Also beware of water moccasins - they rarely are found far from a stream, but approach even small creeks and ponds with caution. E-mail me at sehoytwo@aol.com & I'll give you what I found on the Mims. Suzanne Gorey