Since I started this whole discussion again, I would like to make known the fact that at least one county official is VERY interested in preserving the old records, and particularly in getting the ones out of the attic. This is the Clerk of Courts, Bob Walton. He is a very nice man who was appalled when I told him last spring what records are in the attic and how important they are. For those of you new to the list who perhaps didn't see those postings, the tax lists from the beginning of the county in 1816 are up there. Not only do they show the folks who owned property, but beginning in 1826 they also list personal property owners. This is where my folks are--too poor to own land, but being good farmers had horses and cows. Anyway, give credit where credit is due--we have a friend on our side with Mr. Walton, and I believe he could be a key player in getting these records into a safe place. Getting copies on a CD is a good start, but the originals need to be maintained as well. If there is no place in Jackson for them, then by law they cannot be destroyed, but must be given to the OH Historical Soc (local area archives is at Ohio University in Athens Co). If I lived there instead of in Colorado, I would certainly be willing to set up some meetings with Mr. Walton to get an idea of what is being done, what needs to be done, and what the priorities should be. He is willing and co-operative--apparently unlike many of the other"powers that be" there--so keep him as a friend! Tacy