And, if they are a given, how much effort should be expended in locating information and files that may be spread over a period from 1870 through 1900 in more than one jurisdiction and state? Is it true that very little information of genealogical value is in the pre-1900 records? I would appreciate having the benefit of your experience with such records. Elaine Elaine T. Maddox Rootsweb Sponsor, S.L.E.P.I.C.K.A. / H.R.U.S.K.A. family researcher Volunteer of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness at http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnraogk/index.htm