This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Jeffries, Walker, Williams Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Ad.2ADI/1108.1 Message Board Post: Patrick, Although the Probate Records would have been in the Telfair County courthouse, when it burned in the 1900's they were in a fireproof section of the building and not lost. I have personally researched records in the courthouse, which went all the way back to the very early 1800's. If you travel to McRae, Georgia anyone there will be glad to show you where the courthouse is located. Do not be embarrassed to find a record of moonshining, or something else, against an ancestor, especially if it's between 1925-1955. Several officials remained in office for 30 years, or longer, during this time period, including the sheriff. During te depression there weren't many jobs available, there still isn't in the county today. Many people turned to making money any way they could. It was okay, if you were in with this crowd, the sheriff and his deputies would turn and look the other way, but if you said or did something they didn't like--look out! I was born and grew up in the county during this period and I know this is true. My father and mother were related to several in this crowd, so they kept their mouths closed. Robert Jeffries