This index was single-handedly prepared by a lady in Jefferson City, Ethel Hartman, by reading the titles and some of the material in the case files and making an index. It took her several years to do this. She gave copies to the MO State Archives. There is both an alphabetical index and an index by film number. Prior to that, THERE WAS NO INDEX. You can also order copies of the probate files from microfilm by writing an e-mail or writing a letter to request a copy to Missouri State Archives, P.O. Box 1747, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The e-mail address is on their website: _www.sos.mo.gov/archives_ (http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives) They will count the pages and tell you the cost. If it is over 20 pages, it is $.10 per page. Under 20 pages, it is $.50 per page. No cost for mailing. The "extraneous" things in the probate files are items that went through the probate judge's office, including some marriages that occurred, mainly during war-time, so as to go around the 3 day waiting period. There are "incompetent" or "insane" files, when people were sent by the county to a mental institution Hope your find your ancestors!! Alice ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.