I meant to send it to the entire group. > I thank you all for responding to my query regarding documents from the > probate court. My Gt. Grandmother's Grandfather Rev. Eber Carpenter died in > August 2, 1856 and I have the cemetery listing. The first letter I sent to > the probate court had a $10 check which was returned to me with a letter > stating that his file was in File No. 1353 (36A) and highlighted the > information that the charge was $1 a page and the file had 23 pages. The > following paragraph seemed to imply to me that I could not order the file by > mail, but does not indicate any need for a death certificate: > > "This court is not able to research the file to provide you further > information, however, it is a public record. That means that you have the > right to inspect and receive copies of this record. We encourage you or > your represntative to visit our office to view the file and/or the microfilm > records to complete your research. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to > 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to serve you. For same day service, we > suggest that you arrive no later than 4:00 p.m." > > Since this letter was unclear as to whether copies would be mailed (if > enough money was sent) I attempted to phone, but the phone was not answered. > Now I have tried again, and after a 20 minute hold, I reached a live body. > According to him, a death certificate is good but other proof of death such > as the cemetery record would work. They have a 4 to 6 week timeline and > don't require postage (but it would be nice) and they will make copies if > adequate money is included for the total number of pages. I think it is > useful for this group to know these rules. Winnie