Mary Lou, Your story is a familiar one for most counties. Too, many counties keep the money as payment for the look-up (whether is found or not!). One county where a friend was researching charged $7, and that did not cover the cost of the document, which I believe was another $5. Because I am in McLeansboro quite often (grocery shopping, Ford garage, etc.), I will do look ups for people. Since I am there anyway, I do not charge except for the copy if the person wants one. Sorry it took so long to get your marriage record, but things like that do happen. Shirls