I do second Virginia' suggestions about trying to obtain records for early Wilkinson Co., MS -- that is on film, either from the Mississippi State Archives [which has a website] or from film from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. For example, the film has photos of the actual marriage bond, if in early days, rather than a so-called marriage certificate which may be on a current-day form without the full information which is on a bond. You want to know who the bondman may be. He may be another family member--and thus important to your research. For instance, for less than $10 a film [indefinite loan, I believe], you can order films of the early records of Wilkinson Co., MS and many other places in the US through your nearby Family History Center. Although I have visited Woodville, I did not go near the courthouse. I went to the Library and found that my local Family History Center had more genealogical books on Mississippi than did the library in Woodville. On that trip, I had spent some time across the State line--at West Feliciana Parish house--and found the clerk impatient and not well informed. I asked where the books of early deeds were kept. She replied they did not have deeds. I asked what they were called in Louisiana. She replied *cash sales*. I found they are labeled conveyances. In another Louisiana parish, the youngish [again, not well informed] clerk told me they had no records of early marriages in that parish. I counted to ten under my breath, and observing that there was another patron [probably a divorce lawyer] present, I stated, these records for the most part are public records. Do you mind if I come behind the desk and take a look at your public records? Suddenly, realizing that I understood my rights as a citizen, not of Louisiana, however, he pulled out a small book about the size of what we used to call *memory books*--and lo and behold, on the second page, I found my ancestor giving consent for his stepson to marry. I had not even known of a first marriage for my ancestor--apparently to a widow old enough to be the mother of a son of marriageable age!!! I have had rebuffs or discouragement from other county clerks in other states. Genealogists have to learn 1) how to be persuasive--or demanding, as the case may be 2) be polite 3) learn as much as you can about the records which MAY be available to you, and so on. When I first attended lectures by well-known genealogists, they frequently said--the documents you want are either in the basement or in the attic of the courthouse!! They did not tell me that some of them have been tossed out by the county clerks. That information came later. Experienced genealogists generally advise wearing clothing which is washable. But try to wear business-like clothing. When one dresses decently, you may find, as I have that title-searchers or lawyers in the search rooms will help you find records--volunteering their services. One title searcher even gave me a map of the county in which I was searching and pointed out the area where my ancestor's name appeared on a highway marker. Be polite, but firm. But don't forget that you may be able to find the record--on film--at your nearby Family History Center. If you are unfamiliar with the records held by the county (or parish), first do a web-site search for Rootsweb, CyndisList, also the Family History Library Catalog--not only the catalog but also the research guides formulated by the Family History Library genealogists. Each state, in my experience, has slightly different records. And the indexing, at least of deeds, is slightly different even in adjoining counties. That's why cutting your teeth by viewing the films is most helpful. You can get acquainted with the content (and the indexing) without spending precious vacation time rooting around in a courthouse where you feel you are unwelcome. E.W.Wallace