Sandra, >> found Johnson`s that were not on the cencus records but this showed they were in Houston Co just hiding somewhere << There is no question that the Tax Digests are one of the most valuable genealogical research tools. For example, in Houston County, there was a Federal Census taken in 1830 and also 1840. In this same time period, there was an 1831, 1835, 1837 and 1839 Tax Digest. In the 1840s there was an 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848 Tax Digest. The Tax Digests help you to see when an individual died, or left the area. >> I think we should check out any kind of record we can in the courthouse << And ... in the basement, on top of high shelves and cabinets, wrapped in brown paper, etc. You would be surprised where you find records *stored* at the courthouses. Don't be surprised if the courthouse staff isn't aware of these records either. >> Darien and I are going to check out a murder trial in Bibb Co anyone have any hints to help us check better. << I would suggest that you check these: Superior Court Minutes. Case Transcript Files. Superior Court Dockets. Records of State Cases. Records of Writs. Certiorari (Appeals) Dockets. Execution Dockets. Motion Dockets. Criminal Dockets Bound Old Newspapers. That ought to keep you busy. It sounds like you will need to spend at least a full day, with both of you working every minute. Take care! William A. Mills Perry, GA [email protected] ==========>>> On Thu, 4 May 2000 07:32:43 -0700 "Sandra and Wayne Riner" <[email protected]> writes: Just would like to add to your comments Billy. We have alot of the tax digests on our Johnson`s and found Johnson`s that were not on the cencus records but this showed they were in Houston Co just hiding somewhere, also during the CW war it showed who was adminstrator over different people and gave clues and to who was related to who. I think we should check out any kind of record we can in the courthouse. Next week I`m coming down and and Darien and I are going to check out a murder trial in Bibb Co anyone have any hints to help us check better. Thanks Sandra =============>>> Houston County Researchers: For the past week, I have spent several hours at the Houston County courthouse in Perry, GA reviewing the Tax Digests. The first extant Tax Digest is 1829, and they go up to 1869. I have turned every page in the Digests up to 1853. These Digests are extremely interesting, and genealogically valuable in your research. Have any of you been thru these Tax Digests before, or do any of you have any questions about them? Take care! William A. Mills Perry, GA [email protected] ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.