I'm making a trip from California to Monroe Co. in 3 weeks to search for my Dad's family. I'm totally unfamiliar with Monroe Co. and wondered what resources I could expect to find or any suggestions where to look and what to look for: Also, could anyone recommend lodging while I'm there? My great grandfather was Alexander E. PATTERSON. He married Nancy E. WILLIS, March 1, 1860, in (I'm assuming based on 1860 census information) in Middle Grove, Union Twp.. They also lived in Marion Twp. and Union Twp. Are these names of towns in that area? Nancy was the d/o John and Mary (HOSKINS/WINFREE) WILLIS depending on who you believe. Alexander and Nancy lived their married years in Monroe County ( from 1860 until abt 1894. Alexander was a carpenter.....I've obtained Alexander & Nancy's marriage information and a civil lawsuit that he and two of his partners filed against a John FARTHING for money not received for some construction work. The census records say he was born in Kentucky. Specifically, I wonder if there are any records that might tell me where he was born and if I was really lucky....who his parents were. Secondarily, I'd be very, very curious about their lives, friends, activities, etc..... I look forward to hearing from anyone that might be able to assist me Thank you for your time. Wilma Patterson-Santos searching for: ASBURY, BAILEY, CABLE, PATTERSON, et al......... --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

Dear Wilma, I usually go to Monroe County about once a year to do research. There are not very many large towns in the area. The county seat is Paris where the courthouse is and the main library. The library has a genealogy room with various items. There is also a small room at the Mark Twain Museum in Florida, MO that has some research materials. Another place that has quite a few research materials is the library in Mexico, MO and, even though it is in Audrain County, they have a large genealogy room with items for the surrounding counties, including Monroe. There is probably a motel in Monroe City that is the largest town in Monroe county. I'm not sure there is one in Paris. There are also some motels in Hannibal that is about 45 minutes - 1 hour away from Paris. Mexico, MO has some motels as well and is about 45 minutes from Paris, MO. When I go I fly into St. Louis and rent a car there. I drive to Mexico where I stay with a family member. From Mexico I go to Monroe County and Hannibal sometimes too. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. I will try and help you find the answers. Ginny ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wilma Santos" <wilma1945@yahoo.com> To: <MOMONROE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 12:49 AM Subject: [MOMONROE] Can You Help Me?????? > I'm making a trip from California to Monroe Co. in 3 weeks to search for my Dad's family. I'm totally unfamiliar with Monroe Co. and wondered what resources I could expect to find or any suggestions where to look and what to look for: Also, could anyone recommend lodging while I'm there? > > My great grandfather was Alexander E. PATTERSON. He married Nancy E. WILLIS, March 1, 1860, in (I'm assuming based on 1860 census information) in Middle Grove, Union Twp.. They also lived in Marion Twp. and Union Twp. Are these names of towns in that area? Nancy was the d/o John and Mary (HOSKINS/WINFREE) WILLIS depending on who you believe. Alexander and Nancy lived their married years in Monroe County ( from 1860 until abt 1894. Alexander was a carpenter.....I've obtained Alexander & Nancy's marriage information and a civil lawsuit that he and two of his partners filed against a John FARTHING for money not received for some construction work. The census records say he was born in Kentucky. Specifically, I wonder if there are any records that might tell me where he was born and if I was really lucky....who his parents were. Secondarily, I'd be very, very curious about their lives, friends, activities, etc..... > > I look forward to hearing from anyone that might be able to assist me > > Thank you for your time. > > Wilma Patterson-Santos > searching for: ASBURY, BAILEY, CABLE, PATTERSON, et al......... > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software > > > ==== MOMONROE Mailing List ==== > Rhonda Smith list manager > momonroe-admin@rootsweb.com > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >