Lisa, I think it is a common problem. Just like everything else, funds have been slashed on the federal and state level and the employees are fewer and have more work. They have a bill before the house in FL. to move some state records to universities, expecting them to fund it and access to it privately. If anyone lives in FL. and would like to sign a petition against this, email me and I will send you the info. Genealogy has become quite a hobby across America so they also have many more requests for information. Most county records are maintained by the county and funded mostly with local taxes. So, it's a good idea to remember when they help us we aren't paying for their time...and it's not our right but borders on asking a favor. I have been to Putnam three times looking for info...and other county seats...Greencastle is a beautiful little town with mostly accommodating, gracious people..but have "stinkers"..or perhaps just busy people on the day we show up! One more thing I would like to add. Once you (collectively speaking) obtain records it's important to share these with as many researchers as possible. Afraid that many believe..."I paid for it..it's mine" ..."or I know something the rest don't know".. this isn't in the spirit of the hobby and slows us all up, going after records that have already been found. The goal is to climb the correct tree...not who gets to the top first. Happy hunting! Linda FL

The goal is to climb the correct tree...not who gets to the top first, Good point Linda. Especially since the TOP is unreachable by any standards. -- Jeffery Scism, http://blacksheep.rootsweb.com/ InternationalBlacksheep Society of Genealogists Homepages: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~scismfam/ \_/ --(_)-- / \ |> v-v-v-v |> , , /_\ | | /_\ |\_/| | |'''''''''''| | |\ (q p),-| | || _ || | |'-._ )) \_/_(/| | |#| | | ) '-.___// --w-w---'-'----'-'----'-'----------'-----------