In a message dated 8/23/00 8:16:33 PM, Kansasgirl22@aol.com writes: << Ok guys, I need the advice from an experienced genealogist. I have posted inquires about my Calvin Blankenship three times, and have drawn the conclusion that I am the only one of his decedents doing research! My question is this: Where do I go from here, what do I do now? Are there any records that I can search for him? I have wore out the census records, and local county history books. I have a copy of his land purchase from the gov web site. I know he was in MO by the time his first son was born in 1841. He was a corporal in the Confederate Army. Unfortunately confederate records are hard to come by and I am not sure what to look for anyway. I do have a copy of his Muster Roll, but thats it. Am I up the Creek without a paddle? Misty >> Did you try: (I know some are obvious but you never know) 1) familysearch.org 2) posting inquiries on some of the lists connected with locations like camden co,Mo or OK or Laclede Co etc. ? 3) searches on family treemaker.com 4) church records if you know the denomination? baptisms, confirmations are in local record books for some denominations 5) calling or writing long lost cousins- I got lucky and found one that had done genealogy for years on our family 6) trying searches on variations of the name, or the middle name if you know it- a lot of people didn't go by their first name that's all I can think of right now.