Wayne or Marci, Do you have any idea who the ancestors of these Courthouse workers are? If the total ancestral pool is somewhat large, then it is a possibility that some one among us are actually descendants of those same ancestors. (Sorry for the number being not consistent. Grammar is a big but necessary bother.) What I am trying to say is this that those courthouse people may be related to some of us! Wouldn't that be a fine kettle of fish!!! But won't it also give that relative - if he or she be among us - some pull with the courthouse people? Sincerely yours, Kay (Williams) Chestnut Hood River, OR. A Salute to the "Little General" and the "Army of Researchers" of Washington County. Good Morning Folks, I arose at 3 AM this morning to head out for over a two hour drive to work on cemetery preservation. Marie and I actually do the physical work. My only reason for mentioning this, is to explain any possible mistakes that may be in the following. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN : The political machine of Washington County has a long history of the same family lines ingrained into it. Any "skeletons in the closet" are something that the current descendants would like to have remain buried (out of sight - out of mind). The people that make up this political machine, their living & deceased familes, along with the people behind the scenes; would like to have much of this sealed forever. This group comprises a much larger number of voters, than any number we can amass. The current residents of Washington County have to remain low-key in order to avoid any possible repercussions. Editors generally require a signature on any letter that they even consider for publication. If one of us signs many letters, then they will get lumped together as one. (Your deceased ancestor's signature will not be considered valid.) Add to that; the same content in many letters from others, may cause this to get them also lumped into one. If in fact, this does happen, then all becomes only one letter for publication. Marci and I usually have the same ideas and ideals, and I agree witht the concept and the need for something to be done. All I am sayingis this : Can we proceed with extreme Caution ? I have been working slowly at getting data put on-line and this is preservation along with being available to the public. I know that I am a little slow at accomplishing much. However, I consider every little bit & piece just that much more. I have, on my desk, a stack of photocopies of birth and death registers (furnished by Ann) to transcribe and put on-line. This is a tedious process to attempt to read and achieve accurateness in the transcription and we are slow. Marie suggests an alternative : One "Informational Letter" done in a mass mailing to the registered voters of Washington County. This would reach all of Washington County rather than those that recieve and read one paper. In this day and age the electronic media detracts from many even seeing a newspaper. All involved contributing to a pool for the postage & printing would make the total cost, maybe not all that large. Well, I suppose I should get off of my soapbox, so for now; I bid you all a pleaseant day ahead. Wayne