Deborah, Your message did come through -- I remember getting it. In fact I almost replied but was in a hurry and forgot to. Have you checked the census records? As far back as 1820 there was a schedule for "free coloreds" and would think they were included later in some form although I haven't specifically looked. Your grandfather, being only 5 in 1900, should be listed with a parent or guardian which might provide a lead. It's possible, though, that they didn't list names of children in black households, which would be a problem. I know they didn't for some years but not sure about 1900. Also, Ohio had death records after 1867 so you might check that route if you haven't already. (I don't know your level of expertise, so forgive me if these suggestions are elementary to you.) By the way (and you'll probably get more responses on this) the Rootsweb lists' emails are automatically handled in most cases, so I doubt anyone sees your message to filter it. I'm an administrator on another list, and I have the posts go directly to the list, which I think is the norm. I can't imagine anyone removing certain ones even if it were possible, except to prevent pornography junk mail from being posted. I don't actually even know that it is possible. We're all human, and it's easy to overlook your own post -- I've done it myself. Good luck to you. Len -----Original Message----- Is there a reason why the following message has never been included in the Ohio Pickaway County list or digest? It was transmitted immediately after Digest # 8 and it appears that it was not part of the postings selected for transmission to members of this list. Must our postings concern particular ancestral lines, histories or individuals before they are selected for "publication" or is there some other criteria of which I'm not aware? MESSAGE: Does anyone have information on blacks in Pickaway County? Specifically, I am searching for information about the WASHINGTON surname. Rufus C WASHINGTON was born 29 Aug 1895 in Pickaway Cty. I would like to locate the names of his parents -- his mother died in childbirth. Thank you for any replies. Best wishes in your own genealogical endeavors. Regards, Deborah Kemp