Every year when Janelle Dixon goes home to York Co, SC she does some research. She has found some really important court records just about every time she goes. She's amazing. I have seen some of these records. For some of you who are not familiar with these old original court records, they can be a wealth of genealogical data. Often the witnesses that were called in to testify were relatives of someone being charged or bringing the charges and these relationships are often actually spelt out in these records. One that she found gives the testamony of Zeph Dover where he is testifying for "my son John Dover." Others that she has found have named children, siblings or parents in the witness affidavits and fathers in some Bastardy Bonds of Dover women who had children and were not married. These old records may be the only possible documentation in many cases of research left. Janelle has found many of these little bits and pieces from these court records for us that are the glue to putting some of these relationships together. These relationships are not usually given in the abstracts that are usually done about court records. Often times not even the witnesses are listed in abstracts -- only the parties involved. Janelle's court finds have really taught me the importance of obtaining copies or reading the actual files whenever possible in order to find these hidden details. There are still boxes of these old records in York Co that no one has really searched yet concerning other possible Dover finds. If you should find yourself in York Co, SC someday or you live near that area, these court records should be a must on your research list and can be found in the McCelvey Center. Some counties have had their old remaining files microfilmed and they are available through the LDS History Centers for a small charge if they are brought in for you to read. You may be able to order some of these microfilmed court records through your public library. I have a public library here that has a really nice genealogical section. It's been awhile since I have ordered in any microfilm, but think the last time it was under $ 3 a roll to rent it and I had 2 weeks to view it. It is probably more than that now but still a bargain.