Gentlefolk of the board, I recently asked of this body about the Great Register of San Joaquin County. The answers I received were even better than I first thought. The Great Register was created because of the registry act of 1866 but didn't start in San Joaquin Co. until 1867. It has been sent to the LDS library for microfilming so all info should be available at Family History Centers. I stopped by the San Joaquin County Library and learned that the register has been indexed but the first couple of volumes have been missing for some time. I was interested in times early on and was allowed to see the original register. This is an originally robust ledger now delicate with age. The records of those who registered were transcribed first by first initial of the last name then roughly chronologically. The first volume runs from 1867 to about 1871. It includes date of registration, birth state or country, age, occupation, township, naturalization and removal. What I learned concerned the following individuals: Charles Gard*, Joel Gard William Gauldan Webb James Webb* Jesse Webb* Thomas Jefferson Webb Alexander Webb* William Webb Isaac Webb* William Webb from Arkansas Samuel Jones Webb All those indicated with * "removed to Merced Co. Oct. 25, 1870". James was the father of Jesse, Thomas, Alex, William, Isaac and Sam. Charles m. James' daughter Nancy and William G. m. James' daughter Violet. William G. was removed at his death and Joel "removed Aug. 24, 1871". All Webbs returned to San Joaquin Co. as seen by James Webb's bio. from his 100th b'day party http://home.pacbell.net/gardm/stkrecrd.htm Charles moved on to Lake co. and Joel, I don't know. I believe the "removed" date was when a note was sent [or received] that the individual had registered in Merced Co. I descend from Charles and Nancy (Webb) Gard so this was good info. It is also another example of how extended families moved as a group. Now, to find the Great Register of Merced Co. and Lake Co. I have more info on most of the above and would enjoy hearing from anyone connected. cheers, Gard http://home.pacbell.net/gardm/gene.htm