Since a good many of the descendants, at least of the First Germanna Colony, migrated to Kentucky, one needs to be aware of several shortcomings in doing research in that state [commonwealth]: 1. The counties multiplied--and divided. Woodford Co. is mentioned in one recent query/answer to a query. One has to be aware of the parent county in whatever State you are researching. This is what the Family History Library Catalog [Place search] says about Woodford Co., KY Formed 1788, created from Fayette County. A disaster in 1965 destroyed most of the records. 2. The 1790 census for Virginia, which included Kentucky and whatever other land Virginia claimed, is among the missing censuses. In order to make up for this missing census, two diligent genealogists compiled three volumes called The 1787 Census of Virginia. This so-called census includes all the the-then counties in Kentucky. If you live in Virginia or Kentucky or near a large genealogical library, try to find these three volumes. The third volume is an index of the surnames and given names in the preceding two volumes. They will be shelved with Census records, for the most part. Netti Schreiner Yantis and Florine S. Love, The 1787 Census of Virginia This is the full title as found in the FHL catalog _The 1787 census of Virginia : an accounting of the name of every white male tithable over 21 years, the number of white males between 16 & 21 years, the number of slaves over 16 & those under 16 years, together with a listing of their horses, cattle & carriages, and also the names of all persons to whom ordinary licenses and physician's licenses were issued_ (http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titlen o=622815&disp=The+1787+census+of+Virginia) This is a compilation of all the existing 1787 personal property tax lists for every county in Virginia for that year. A few counties are missing. Be sure to check all references in the Index to your ancestor--or collateral. Why? Because -- I discovered that my ancestor from Albemarle Co., VA was already making his move to Madison Co., KY. He is listed in both localities. The personal property was livestock and slaves [see description above], so be quite careful when copying this material. Copy the key which is in the first volume and probably the second volume also. A good many widows are listed--good for finding your *missing* ladies! Interestingly enough, the wealthiest man in Albemarle Co. VA seemed to be Thomas Jefferson, according to the tax list for his district.. In the past, I have found the lady in charge of the Kentucky land records in Frankfort--The Secretary of State is her boss, but he changes all the time--has been most cooperative in the past when I have written to her inquiring about land grants for various relatives and collaterals. One time she sent me a map of the land holdings of the person from whom my ancestor bought his land--Island No. 2 in the Mississippi, which Island no longer exists!! Another time, she sent me information about an North Carolina ancestor's widowed daughter to whom he had bequeathed some land in Kentucky. I am not sure this kind lady is still there. But--be thoughtful and explain as much as you can--and give dates, for goodness' sake. (So many queries are missing dates. When did this event occur--yesterday? A century ago?) Of course, when you are searching for any name, be aware of misspellings. Hultzclaw and so forth are common misspellings. My ancestor's surname is Kemper, spelled Kamper and Camper. At least two John Kempers are in early Garrard Co., KY but at least one of them bought his land from Holtzclaw, who I believe was in Mercer Co. But be sure to find the parent county of whatever county you are researching in Kentucky--and especially in Virginia!!! If you are beginning your research in a new jurisdiction, such as a new State, you may find Guidance on the Familysearch.org website. Research Outlines are thoroughly researched and edited before publication. The nice thing about Research Outlines is that if the document/book has been filmed, frequently the film number will be given--saving you a good deal of time. Best of luck!! E.W.Wallace whose Kentucky ancestors poured in from Virginia, North Carolina, and even Pennsylvania [German as well as Scots-Irish] **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002)