For possibly better responses to queries, postings to a mailing list like this one or a message board such as GenForum should be as INFORMATIVE as the posters can make them. "Trying to find Joe Bleep in Portland" usually just isn't enough information -- and most researchers will just hit the Delete button when they see postings like this. I am noticing that many folks are neglecting to include DATES or, at least, a time range in their queries. If you make the subject line informative ~ it might catch someone's eye. Here's a fictitious example: Joe BLEEP, b. c. 1892 IL, m. SIX times, d. Portland c. 1947? Seeking descendants of Joe Bleep, Jr., born abt. 1892 in Vermilion Co., IL, son of Joe Bleep, Sr. and Eunice (_____). An only child, he reportedly was married six times and had children by all six wives. His last marriage, to Bethel Edna SKITTLE, took place in Gunnison Co., Colorado in 1941, after which the happy couple planned to move to Portland, Oregon, according to the Gunnison Country Times. End of fictitious example. Hope this helps some one just starting out who is wondering why no one ever answers their postings. . . . Diane Wilson Flynn