Massachusetts annexed Maine in 1652 as a buffer against French and Indian attacks, and the area remained in the commonwealth of Massachusetts until it achieved statehood in 1820. Remember that year when researching Maine ancestors: Before then, records may be grouped with those of the commonwealth, so be sure to check the Massachusetts state archives' Maine holdings, http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcgen/genidx.htm. Sally Rolls Pavia sallypavia2001@yahoo.com List Owner: GENEALOGYBITSANDPIECES-L-request@rootsweb.com Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/GENEALOGYBITSANDPIECES "All incoming and outgoing email checked by Norton Anti-Virus"