Bud, I haven't been totally successful in finding birth records of many of my ancestors from that time period either. They weren't required to keep records then. I found that the churches were probably the best source of keeping records. Eventually the records were recorded at the County level and then it became a requirement of the State to have records sent to Madison. Besides church records, I have found it very helpful to check local newspapers to read the "local gossip" and have found information on deaths, even though it was not the "official death record". If you know the area, you could check with the Wis. Historical Society and try to obtain a copy of the microfilm that would have the newspaper on microfilm from that time period. I found my g-g-grandfather's news article of his death but his name was written the way it was pronounced in German. I almost missed it! In Wisconsin, we can look at microfilms at the larger libraries and/or borrow them through inter-library loan. The larger college libraries have research centers, as well - like Madison, Green Bay and Oshkosh, WI and depending on the county your relatives lived, they may have a record on an Index. Also, check various spellings of the name. Recently I discovered a marriage record for a relative who was living in a neighboring county (never thought of that!). I also was searching under the husband's name and when I finally put in the my g-grandmother's name (which was surprisingly spelled correctly!), their record came up (through LDS) and his last name was close, but spelled wrong. It wasn't even pronounced the same! But, the marriage year was correct and the general location was correct, so I figure I had a match. They didn't spell well in those days; many couldn't read or write either. Just keep checking back to the Wisconsin sites. They are doing a terrific job of getting data online. It takes a lot of time to put this information out where others can get to it and many volunteer their time. I hope that you will eventually find what you are looking for. Perhaps you could post in what area you are looking for your grandfather's and his twin brother's birth records. There are many people who are willing to check local records or other resources available. Just ask. Most Wisconsinites are very courteous, generous and helpful people! Linda ----- Original Message ----- From: Bud Reel <budr@ptialaska.net> To: <GenWisconsin-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 8:01 AM Subject: Re: [GenWisconsin] Free birth index on ancestry.com for Wisconsin 1822-1907 > I know that Ancestry.com is a good Site but I find that it lacks a lot of > being Complete. My Grandfather ( Cyrus J Whitney) and his Twin Brother > Sanford B Whitney) Born August 1860. Neither one of them are listed. Bud in > Alaska > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kirk & Cheryl Morschauser" <kcmorsch@execpc.com> > To: <GenWisconsin-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 7:17 PM > Subject: [GenWisconsin] Free birth index on ancestry.com for Wisconsin > 1822-1907 > > > > Many of you may be interested to know that Ancestry.com currently has the > > Wisconsin birth database FREE for the next 10 days, July 17 thru July 27. > I > > just happened to be browsing and couldn't believe my eyes!! > > > > Here's the URL: > > > > http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/inddbs/4750.htm > > > > Happy Hunting!! > > > > Cheryl > > > > > > ==== GenWisconsin Mailing List ==== > > > > > > > > > ==== GenWisconsin Mailing List ==== > >