The only problem with getting a Vital Record like a Death Certificate from a Town Clerk is that it tends to be a transcription, not a copy of the original certificate. Albany sends photo copies of the original. Snail mail requests tend to take about 12 months to receive, but hand delivery takes only about a month or so. Do your best to insist on a photo copy of the original certificate for accuracy, otherwise you may end up with a situation like I did. On Feb 14, 1893, James McGinn died in the Town of Warsaw. When I received a copy from the Warsaw Town Clerk, it said he was from Olean Tyrone, Ireland, and he died as a result of 'fatty degeneration of the head'!! (I know many 'Fat Headed men' and yes i could believe that could be a potential fatal problem, but I never thought I'd see it as a true medical diagnosis!) Eventually I got a Copy from Albany, a photocopy of the original. This one said... he was born in County Tyrone Ireland, and died of 'fatty degeneration of the HEART'!! Just a slight difference in the two Certificates, huh? I strongly suggest getting a photocopy of the original and do not settle for a transcribed copy! Thanks & Happy Halloween! Anne ruggeri ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com