An article in the local paper just alerted me to a database set up by Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan with some fantastic records for those of you researching Missouri ancestors. I just hit it briefly. You have to experiment a little with how to search and read the faq on the advanced search. After several tries I put in Pace, Nicholas (my great grandfather) and found that the common makes it work. I had always assumed that my Virginia born Paces were confederate sympathizers but here is what popped up: Pace, Joseph N. Greene Springfield Statement of Pace, resident of St. Clair County, that he has never been in the rebel army. Pace states he is a constitutional man who is willing to enroll in the militia. He claims he did not enroll because he did not have an opportunity to do so. 10-01-1862 F1379 Pace, Joseph N. Saint Clair Oath of allegiance 10-05-1862 F1379 So they weren't confeds after all! Roy Johnson