I'm passing this along to the whole list. I want to include this comment. I, as the list manager and county coordinator, want to thank all for their thoughtful remarks about this thread. I don't think "we" were trying to single out anyone for not being patient, nor put down any volunteers or county workers. In a separate email, I'm going to try to give a summary and a some "work arounds". Thank you all for your replies! Shannon Moore CC for Morgan Co, OH; list manager for OHMORGAN-L -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Morgan County Information Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001 16:39:06 EST From: NancyGen21@aol.com To: mgm@gate.net Hi Shannon - I'm writing you regarding the many letters written recently about obtaining information from Morgan County and the need to thank those who volunteer so generously to support genealogical research. If you think any part of my letter has merit, please pass it along to our fellow list members. My original letter was written in hopes of getting help in research I'd long been seeking. It was written quite simply because I hadn't received any feedback and was looking for direction. There was no criticism intended; I know what it's like to be overwhelmed with work and unable to respond on a timely basis. I thank all who have written. There have been many, many helpful suggestions and comments, and I am truly grateful for all the help and information generous list members and volunteers have provided in response to my questions over the two years I've been researching my family, plus I've found wonderful friends and some pretty terrific cousins! I also volunteer on an informal basis and "give back" from resources I've gathered and things I've learned, and get as much pleasure helping others "find their families" as I do in making discovieries about my own. I'm a member of the Ohio Historical Society, the Ohio Genealogical Society, the Perry County Chapter of the OGS, the Fairfield County Chapter of the OGS (new for me this year), the Muskingum County Chapter of the OGS, and the Morgan County Chapter of the OGS (new also this year). I enjoy feeling part of Ohio's "community" this way from my home in far-away California, and I believe in supporting these wonderful organizations. I don't feel a need to defend myself, and yet I find myself doing so. Perhaps it's time to close this thread and get on with the work at hand - seeking our own families and helping others. I have only compliments and many thanks for all the Ohio help that's come my way. I'm both proud and humbled by my Ohio roots - ancestors who pioneered in this beautiful state. As a native Californian I treasure my Ohio values (both of my parents were born and raised in Ohio - Mom's family from the Perry County area and Dad from Cleveland) - values I've passed along to both of my sons who now use them to guide their own lives. The past does carry forward into the future, and like all of us looking for family, I don't want those worthy people from the past to be forgotten. Thanks for listening - Nancy Thompson (California)