Hi gang, Here's the tips for writing your queries. They are good ones! These tips also come in helpful for mail list queries, or personal queries. These are NOT my tips--they are by Keely's Korner on USGenWeb. Good luck, Momma Walton <>< 1. Carefully read the web site's instructions on how to fill out their query form. (If you don't follow the rules, your query may never get posted!) 2. Start your query with the surname, then given name. HINT: If the site instructions permit this, use ALL CAPS on every surname in your query. All caps make the names easier to spot by the reader! 3. Include all known facts such as... a. birth, marriage and death dates b. occupation c. city, county and state 4. Forget the long story!! "My grandparents traveled by train to Anytown, USA and thought the countryside so lovely they decided to stay but, had trouble when the wagon...". Are there exceptions? Only if the "story" is vital to the query! Let's look at an easy to follow query... DOE, John David born ca 1823, Anytown, MS. Occupation: blacksmith. Died 3 Jun 1889, Anytown, MS. Parents: DOE, William and Margaret (maiden name?). Known siblings: James and Elizabeth (may be others). Married 4 Aug1847 to JONES, Rebecca in Anytown, Great Co., MS . Children: Warren, Lee, Lisa and Jack. Any help would be appreciated and I will share information. Please email me at: username@server.com This query is concise, easy to read and provides excellent information. Your next job is to post the query, then sit back and wait. How long is the wait you ask? I've personally waited months before someone contacted me. Go figure! HINTS: a. Notify all query web sites if you change your email address. Trust me, the site owners will love you for this and any possible responses won't end up in the dead letter file!!! b. Bookmark the web site where you post a query c. Check your queries every few weeks and update if necessary WORDS OF WISDOM Do not include your snail mail address or telephone number in your query. Please remember, your query will be posted on the World Wide Web.