Let me throw in an Australian experience, in early 1850's.My own ancestors were convicts in the far outback of Australia when a Priest travelling through on horseback, married them and baptised their 4 children. Would have noted it in his note book and recorded it when he arrived in Sydney 250 miles from the events. And of course if he had met with an accident before getting to Sydney and his note book destroyed there would have been more brick walls to break through. I imagine this happened all over in the days prior to civil requirements. Even in Kerry Bill __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5456 (20100916) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com