This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/YRB.2ACE/1385.1 Message Board Post: Since many records of New York State residents are kept within the town of residence, it's always a good idea to include the name of the town where your ancestor was living. Where in Essex County was your David Ray in 1800?