This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Copeland Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ikJ.2ACIB/1108.3.1 Message Board Post: Elsie and Jean, I am unable to prove my own parents marriage, and thus am finding it impossible to proceed with this. They have refused to grant me access to the birth and marriage documents. I can prove every line up to my grandparents death, but cannot prove my mothers birth, nor my parents marriage, so cannot proceed. Do either of you know if these records are available as public records? I haven't attempted to gather them, as my family refused me access, and I lost interest in pursuing it after that. But I might still pursue finishing the geneaological record if I can gain those records. Otherwise, as I said, my parents have refused me assistance, so I'm stuck. Cheers, Barbara Smith