hi, Valerie try looking for wills -- Mary Ann at Monmouth Archives can give you will references, book & page, but you have to request the actual copy from NJ Archives. also look for deeds [available @ Monmouth Archives -- best to request an index first, of your surname, for there may be more than you imagine]. [monmouth archives is online & you can email your request. they'll email back & let you know what, if anything, was found. they send it, you reimburse. *very* out-of-state friendly!] it is through wills and deeds that I went from 'my only known ancestor who died intestate in 1839' [shown in the 1830 census & the 1840 mortality census schedule -- i.e., no *real* info] to fleshing out his siblings, parents, aunts & uncles & grandparents. of course I've been stuck *there* for over a decade... but the initial thrill is awesome! good luck. kirby in NC kirbz@northstate.net