Lloyd Glad to hear you will be in Van Buren Co. doing research. You will find the records you mentioned at the Van Buren Co. courthouse in Keosauqua in the Recorder's Office. You may also want to visit the Clerk's Office there to check for any probate info. The genealogy section of the Keosauqua Public Library is a place you will want to spend a good deal of time. This is the location of the genealogical society collection which is one of the best you will find. If you can, you will also want to visit Bonaparte and Farmington libraries. However, though what you find may be more localized, you won't find near the collection there or in such as organized fashion. Keosauqua Library hours can be found at: http://showcase.netins.net/web/keolibrary/ I have people at both Bonaparte and Thompson cemeteries. Both are very nicely maintained. Indexes can be found at the Keosauqua Library for both. I am sure your trip will be productive! Enjoy! Rich P.S. If you need info on lodging, here is a link to check out: http://showcase.netins.net/web/villages/lodging.htm > > > Subject: [IAVANBUR] VBC research advice > Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 23:00:05 EDT > From: LAHOLLYTREE1@aol.com > To: IAVANBUR-L@rootsweb.com > > CATES, WORDEN, MILFORD, TOOPS > > Hi, > Will be in VBC in two weeks. Planning to search birth, marriage, death, land, > etc. records (ca. 1850 - 1910) at county court house for above ancestors. > Also, the Thompson and Bentonsport cemeteries (only two cemeteries where I > have leads at the moment). Anyone have any experience obtaining sexton's > records? > The VBC web site has been extremely helpful on background, maps, etc. > Expecially would appreciate any advice on searching records at the court > house. > Also, as time allows will visit Keosauqua and a couple other libraries. Do > the other libraries like Bonaparte and Farmington have genealogy research > materials? Thanks for your help. > Lloyd Holly > LAHOLLYTREE1@AOL.COM