This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: DMEK99 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.ohio.counties.richland/1331.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Excelent points. Name, dates, and location are critical in filtering information. Keep in mind if you list a name and a place and a date chances are greater that you will connect to a colatteral family that may have information on your family. I just broke through one of my brick walls because I began doing research on a brother-inlaw. His family had a researcher that did much work back in the early 1800's. I was able to tap into those files at a local libray on a road trip this summer. Not only do I have information on my direct line but many other cousins I knew nothing about. Additionaly, families tended to migrate in either family groups, political groups, or religious groups. You may find family sir name groups in clusters. Worth checking out when you are at a brick wall. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.