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 visited Monroe County this past week. For anyone who hasn't > been there, > it's an interesting setting. Most of the county is very hilly > and heavily > wooded. I was really taken by the natural beauty of the area > during winter > season. It must be an even more beautiful place in other seasons. The > records in the courthouse seem well organized and the staff > helpful. The > library has a fair collection of books from Monroe and > surrounding counties. > > The Historical Society has maps and quite a few books for > sale. I certainly > enjoyed the visit, but I stayed 30 miles away in Caldwell, > OH. That made for > a scenic half-hour drive each day. > > I took a few pictures of some landmarks. I'd be happy to send > them to anyone > who wishes. > > Regards, > > Don Castella > > Researching Battin, Hall, Lawver and Orange in SE Ohio. >