Greetings, fellow Johnson Countians.... As I live in the greater DC area, I have been convinced by a knowledgable source that I need to go to the archives in search of the COMPLETE civil war pension files I already received. It seems that they may not have copied all pages in the file... Imagine!!! Therefore, sometime in the next 2 weeks, I hope to build up my courage and head to the archives. This is something (obviously) that I've never done before, but I've been given very good directions to get straight to the pension files. My offer to you is to grab similar records for you for the cost of copying or your donation to the Johnson Co. Gen. & Historical Society or Rootsweb or some data contribution on your part (you get, you give). As I understand, I'll have to read microfilm first, and that is by last name, to pull the proper file numbers. Then submit forms for the files needed, then make copies, etc. It is sure to be an all-day affair. In order to get these files for you, I'll need (to the extent that you can provide), soldiers name, state of enlistment, unit number (i.e. 60th Ill Inf, Co. K), approximate age at enlistment, names of spouse & children. This should help me identify the right person for you. I've been told that files may range from 10 pages or less to over 200 pages, but when you request a file, they may only copy what they feel is significant. Sorry, but I'd rather make that determination myself, as I'm sure you would, too. Copies made in person are 10 cents each. If you have a dollar limit, be sure to let me know so that I stay within your budget. Depending on how many requests I get, I may go do this again, but please understand if I cannot fill all requests. Please prioritize your names so that if I run out of time, at least I can try to get your top one or two. Go ahead and send me your full wish list, because I may be able to get them all, and if not, I'll already have a list if I can slip in there another time. Good hunting! Marcia mailto:holpuch@erols.com p.s. I am only extending this offer to this list (Johnson Co., IL) at this time. PLEASE respect this, and do not forward this offer to any other lists, as I don't need requests coming from the entire internet universe.