Dear Warren Co. List members, I'm stunned!!!!! Warren County, Iowa will not release a record of the 15 Apr 1875 marriage of Sylvester and Martha E. McConnell Willis, even though the event took place over 125 years ago. I was told, in a less than charming manner, that these records can reviewed and possibly released to direct line descendants only. So as a sponse, I don't qualify!!!!!!!! They won't tell me if they even have the record. Evidently, there is no guarantee. But they will be delighted to tell me if they have the record if my husband will fill out the form, sign it, promise his first born and send $10.00. Unbelieveable. Just what malice a person could perform with such a record, I'm sure I don't know!!!!!!! I presume that also means probate records are off limits as well. How tacky!!!!!! I have never run into a situation like this. I'm not sure I want to send $10.00 for a "maybe". I think it's highway robbery to charge a research fee for a $.25 uncertified xerox copy. What research? I provided the date, place and participants. All I wanted was a confirming marriage document for my children's ggg grandparents. Is this some kind of crime? Is this kind of discrimination statewide or just Warren County? Have you had this happen in your research? Can anyone explain this? The form the Warren County Recorder sent for us to fill out and return was for the State of Iowa. The State doesn't have records that old. What is the problem in Warren County? My husband's Willis family were pioneers in Warren County, Iowa specifically White Breast Township. If the County Recorder is in error, you need to know what is happening to the visitors of the county. For now, I will do my research in Missouri where I am warmly welcomed as a spouse and legitimate family researcher. Charlotte Lewin macslewin@aol.com