I understand some of your compliants regarding getting information in NYS; but you haven't seen anything until you try to dig into Michigan. Thank heavens that the societies have done the work because you practically have to sign your grandchildren away otherwise. This past weekend, I was up in the North Country (that's what they call it) of NY. Even though his children are dead, because my grandfather died in 1964 I had to prove my lineage. He hadn't been dead 50 years. This time I was prepared with his SS # application, my Dad's SS # application, Mom and Dad's marriage certificate, my birth certificate, and my driver's license. Again, the assistant clerk didn't want to give them to me BUT her boss, the Clerk, did. It helped that she and I have the same first names! Following the exchange of $11. I was able to walk out with a copy of Gramp's death certificate. For those of you, who have been seeking info regarding Newfane, Middleport, and Royalton: The church records (BMD) for the Lutheran churches - Trinity and St. Michael's of Royalton - are at the Niagara County Historian's Office, Niagara & Hawley, Lockport, NY 14094, (716) 439-7324. The Town Clerk of Newfane is located at 2896 Transit Road, Newfane, NY 14108 (716) 778-8822. The Village Clerk of Middleport is located at the Village Hall, Middleport, NY 14105 (716) 735-3303. One half of the records for Royalton are at Royalton and the other half is at Hartland (please don't ask me why, I don't know). The Town Clerk of Royalton is at 5316 Royalton Center Road, Middleport, NY 14105 (716) 772-2431. The Town Clerk of Hartland is at 8942 Ridge Road, Gasport, NY 14067 (716) 735-7179. Have fun...remember these are business locations and phone numbers. Also if you check the archived messages, you will find one that I sent 20 August 2000 subjected NY STATE LEGAL CERTIFICATES. This will tell you the fees and requirements. Ellen Colangelo