To all genealogists: TOO many times we are forced to buy documents that are a matter of public record on file in public offices across the the nation. These documents -- wills, probate records, deeds of every type, birth, marriage and death records -- were placed on file as a matter of record only after a fee was paid to place them there so they would become public records. As a genealogist living in Texas, I cannot afford to travel to states like Georgia, South and North Carolina to publicly view records that could offer information about my family ancestors. I cannot afford to pay a professional researchers to it for me. I must rely on people who, like myself, are willing to share what resources we have -- people who have been to those far away places. If we don't take a stand for our heritage soon it will be gone and beyond our reach. PLEASE take time to read the petition at the address listed below. If you agreed that public records should remain FREE, please sign the petition and pass this link on to every genealogist you know. http://www.petitiononline.com/ethan/petition.html I was the 4768th signer. There are millions of other researchers we need to reach. If you don't care to sign, please pass this on so that some one else may have the opportunity. To Al Noblin, thanks for sending me this message. I was not aware of this situation. Mildred Stinson Brown Palestine, TX Our Southern Heritage 33rd Ala Volunteers