Listers, I am planning a trip to the Belmont CO. area the first part of Oct., for some hands on research. I am trying to get all "ducks in a row" and plot a course of action. The answer to the following questions would be a big help. I have been finding that back in the 1800's, and probably earlier, a guardian was appointed for the children, when a father died, even if the mother was still living. Has any one in the Belmont CO. area found this? If it was a practice, would it possibly have been general procedure in the early 1900s, say 1906-1910? Again, if this was a practice, would documentation be found at the probate court in St. Clairesville? I have 2 pictures of some kids and their mothers, made into postcards. On the back of one it says, "This is the bunch that has a standing engagement with the MacDonald Cottage." If one was a resident of Bellaire, where in the area might one have a cottage? The other card indicates that swimming was definitely an activity at this cottage. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Nancy Reynolds in TN Researching: WOOD, CURTIS, RYLAND, McGUIRE, McDONALD, RIGGS