Here is the type of letter NOT to write, if you are requesting free information from a genealogical society. (Names fictitional) ____________________________________________ Dear Sir: Throught the Freedom of Information Act I request a genealogical search on the family of John Doe. and his wife of ___ county. I have know that John Doe married Jane Lamb had the following children, Margaret, Fannie, Louise and John, Jr.. Probate records show that John Doe died around 1837 before the youngest child reached legal age. I am interested in seeing if there would be any newspaper regarding his death, or any information including all of the fore mentioned family members. In reference to John, Jr. I have been able to determin that he married Louise Smith on Dec 21, 1846. They had the following children: Stephen, James, Mary, and Lucille. Would be interested in what information you may have on them including birth, death, cemetery location and obituary. Enclosed is (small check) to cover the cost of search and records found in your search. Your cooperation is appreciated in this matter. (End of letter) _______________________________________________ First, The Freedom of Information Act does NOT mean that information MUST be provided to you. Mainly, it means that if the information is accessible it MAY be searched for. Second, very few early newspapers are indexed, and most of them contained very little local information. An obituary may have been printed, if the person was known person or if someone paid for the obituary. They are very rare in the early days. Third, there were amost no birth records before 1911, although there were SOME. In Floyd County you may find them as early as the 1880's, although they are hit and miss. Fourth: There is information in census records, other than how many persons of each age group reside in the household, before the 1850 Census. Up until then, only the head of household was listed. From the 1850 Census you should find each person listed by name as well as the birthplace and occupation. Remember that a person is under no obligation to do your research for free. We don't mind answering small requests, but don't be too demanding and make too many requests. If your request is small, be sure to include an SASE and payment for the copies. If asking for a copy of a marriage record or an obituary it would be best to provide the date if known. As I said before, most of the older newspapers are not indexed, but if you have a date, or even a month and a year, the obituary can probably be located easily, if someone is willing to do it for you. Genealogical societies are non-profit organizations, so be sure to make a generous donataion to the society. Note: There is no index to the 1930 Census of Indians, although it is now available if you wish to search it.