In a message dated 3/1/99 7:45:50 AM Eastern Standard Time, jtsimmons@prodigy.net writes: << Re: Don Castella's message: I still have family in "the County" so I visit quite regularly, and I second Don's evaluation. Be careful relying too much on the courthouse records, however, as lots of them were destroyed in what I believe were two fires, one in the 1890s, and again in the 1910s (before the current courthouse was built.) If anyone else is considering visiting, I recommend coming in from Caldwell to the west, off I-70. That route (state route 78) is much more gentle than coming in from Barnsville to the north off of I-77. Route 800 (from Barnsville through Woodsfield) is a challenging, winding hilly/mountain road, with some deceptively steep and sharp curves. I still consider route 800 a challenge, and I've been riding it since I was born, and driving it 3-6 time a year for 20 years. >> I just have to jump in here and say that this is an incredibly beautiful part of the county, but would agree that Rt. 78 is much easier driving, if you aren't used to the hills... And yes... Rt. 800 is much more difficult driving... but so beautiful !! Now, a question. Does anyone have any good ways to find information that was lost in the two courthouse fires? Looking for parents of Isaac Erlewine/Earlywine b.27 Feb. 1827 in either VA (WV) or Monroe Co., OH... family reports conflict. He married Louisa McCoy ca 1854 in Monroe Co., again, according to family reports. Some researchers say his father was Jacob Sailor Earlywine, but I find no proof. There is no will for Jacob S. Earlywine, as it was destroyed in the courthouse fires. This is one of my brick walls !!! Any ideas or input appreciated. Thanks so much! Fay