This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: EVERY, BROOKS, LAIR, WEATHERWAX, SEVERANCE Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/BGB.2ACI/385.2 Message Board Post: Hi Jo, Before you go, if you have a Family History Center nearby, you can rent the microfilms with the indexes to the vital records for Jackson County (1867-1964). The early birth (1867-1910), marriage (1833-1910) and death (1867-1918) registers are microfilmed too. I visited Jackson Co for the 1st time a few weeks ago and had a very productive experience. If you are able to go to the courthouse/clerk's office on a Tuesday or Thursday, the local genealogical society volunteers are there at certain hours. You will be able to inspect multiple records with their assistance. I found the volunteer to be very helpful. They bring out the books for you to inspect. Without volunteers, the clerk's office may limit the number of record lookups. Here is another website for the Jackson Co Clerk with a genealogy link: <http://www.co.jackson.mi.us/countyclerksoffice/> ..and the county library on Michigan Ave (Carnegie main branch) is just a few blocks away with a great local history room. Too much to take in everything that was available in the few hours I was there...but it sure was fun! I can't wait to go back.