At the Family History Center, I was looking at the Wills and Estate papers for Ashe Co. 1663-1978, Barker, Edward-Bowers, Samuel, Film 1666698. It was intriguing to me that so many small scraps of paper were saved. These papers were I.O.U. types or "I have been paid in full" types among other things. There were legal court papers, list of children, the wife, friends, sale of property, lists of personal property, etc. Very interesting and a place to find information where you might not expect. I was working with the Blackburns. There was Levi, Burgess, Edmon(d), H.B., Charley, and several others. A Wesley Gentry is on one legal paper. J.F. Phipps, Esq. was the executor on one estate. Such as "Minnie Chambers (nee Blackburn)" to help the search for married name of girls. Some could write their name, so you can see the handwriting of your ancestor. Some could only make a mark. There is a receipt from W.L. Bryan, proprietor Bryan's Hotel. Dealer in General Merchandise. (1892). Elijah Tatum signed a "received of..." in May 16, 1893. John Graybeal, I thought of you when I came across one signed by what looks like "A.E. Graybeal by W. H. Gentry." Enough! There is a world of information. If only we had an index to all deeds and wills that included all names. I could read most of these very clearly on the screen. They did not all copy well. There is a piece of equipment out that would enable one to copy microfilmdirectly to a storage device or your computer. Can't wait to try that for clearer copies. There are 23 microfilm reels. Order by Names on reel. Subject North Carolina, Ashe-Probate Records Happy hunting! Pat