This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: SDianeA Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.northcarolina.counties.guilford/4338.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi I understand your frustration and maybe what my suggestions are may not help...? Sometimes in the "records" they spell the names wrong, or possibly give initials...middle name, instead of first name, etc. I started by trying to focues on one thing at a time. I don't know how far you are into it, but it gets overwhelming for sure if you look at everything there is to research. So, maybe go with the county they lived in last that you know for sure, and start backwards from there. The census records are good, but not 100%, especially with ages & birthyears. But if you know what a relative did for a living, possibly looking into that also (as someone already suggested). The internet has recourses to at least hopefully locate them, ex: NC Archives,USGenWeb, (if this is where you would start)..The Library of Virginia, The National Archives and many Government web sites could lead you to something too, you can even do a Google search on a name, and start looking there. Of ! course that could come up with anything. Keep trying, I'd start with the county they last were located in, and go from there. Hope this helps..SDiane Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.