Hello everyone, I'm fairly new to this list and I thought I would throw my information out there and see if anyone is researching the same lines I am. I'm going to list this message in two parts: first, to everyone, and secondly, to our list host. To everyone: I am researching the COURTNEY line in Nelson, Hickman, and Graves Counties. I have the line going back (as far as KY in concerned) to John COURTNEY (born 15 July 1784 in Stafford County, VA, died 26 May 1833, in Nelson County, KY) who was married to Catherine COFFMANN on 07 February 1805, in Nelson County, KY. After the death of John, his wife, Catherine (along with their 12 children: Lewis b. 1804, Felix 1807, Walter Hay 1808, Allen 1815, Jacob 1815, Margaret Jane 1816, Mary Ann 1818, Sevilla 1819, Solomon 1823, Granville Clifford 1830, and Cordia Ann 1832), headed into Hickman County where the family settled for many years to come. The earliest I find a member of this family in Graves County is in the 1850 census -- Jacob COURTNEY, wife Polly Ann, children John, Sarah (Sally), Elizabeth, Epraim, and Martha. I believe, since they are listed in the Pryorsburg Twp which sits close to the Graves and Hickman line, that the family actually settled in Hickman and were absorbed by Graves when the county formed. Later in time, other branches of elder John's family settled in Graves. One of those settling in Graves happened to be my great grandfather, Leo Byrl COURTNEY who was born 30 December 1885 and died 01 November 1939. He was married to Sarah Bernardine PIERCEALL. Sarah is buried at St. Jerome's Cemetery in Fancy Farm, Graves County, KY. Sarah died well after Leo -- I'm having a bit of trouble locating the grave that Leo rests in. According to my records, he died in Mayfield, though he lived in Fancy Farm. I've obtained the online information from KY Vital Records, but I was wondering if somebody has access to the microfiche that the death records are found on? If someone would look him up for me, it would save me the trouble of having to send away for a copy of the death certificate (at this time - I know that eventually I'll end up needing a copy of it). I have a member of this list who has graciously gone out and taken pictures at two cemeteries for me and if I can locate his grave site, I may be able to bribe her to take one more picture for me. Any help in locating Leo's resting place would be greatly appreciated. In addition, if any others out there are researching the COURTNEY (or PIERCEALL and TOON) line, feel free to get in touch with me. To our list owner: I must say, the little time that I've belonged to this list, I've already noticed that it is far and above most of the other lists. You are doing a great service to many of us. I was wondering, since I'm new to this list and don't really know what is available to me, what types of records can I obtain from you? Nearly every day, you are posting from files you possess and I don't know if I should wait to see something I need, or if I can place requests. I know that your schedule must be full and I don't want to be a hindrance. >From what I've seen, and the archives I've looked at, my guess would be that your specialty is in Graves County??? Are you as closely familiar with Hickman? These questions are general, I know, but I just want to get a feel for what is available to me if I need it. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read this lengthy message (future postings will not be so long). Best regards, Morgan H Courtney npugeda@earthlink.net