Hi! I was a little late in reading my email and was shocked when I read this. I did research in Warren County, Iowa last spring. I went to the recorder's office in the courthouse and was given free reign in the back with the books. This was my first trip there. The staff was very friendly, but extremely busy.There were at least 3 other genealogists in the back room with me. I stayed from the opening hour until closing hour with no problems. I looked up births, deaths, and marriages as well as land records. Could the problem have been that the staff was so busy they just referred you to the State of Iowa without examining your request more closely? I personnally have been ignored or redirected by more county personnel than I can count. I find that if I do the research myself; they are more inclined to show me the way. I live several states away from where I need research so it going to take me forever to get it all done this way, but at least I know it's accurate info. The marriage record you are seeking would probably be found on microfilm through a Family History Center for about $3.25 per roll (you get to view the roll for several weeks before they send it back). I show the following from them for Warren Co., IA: Marriage register v.B-C 1867-1878 roll #1011011 A lot of the early Warren Co., IA records (I have yet to find one they don't have) are microfilmed by the Church of LDS. I currently have access to the early probate records indexed by name and 2 rolls of early land deeds if anyone needs a lookup. I will be going back to Warren Co., IA this fall for another research trip, too. Jennie Williams (and I am just a girlfriend!!!-not even a spouse) ----- Original Message ----- From: MacsLewin@aol.com To: IAWARREN-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2000 10:52 AM Subject: Access to early family records denied to spouses in Warren County 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