There is no disputing the value of doing your own research. Fact of the matter is most records available online or elsewhere were compiled by human beings and there are errors. For those of us who have more than 20 years in doing this work, we know not to just trust what a researcher scribbles down. Without documentation there is no proof. Sometimes it just does not exist. Old time researchers had to travel and do the hard work. Some did it right, others just plugged in names that fit and that was close enough.That has not changed. Some want it right others will just grab a hold of any shirttail in the wind. While the Internet has benefited us by removing some of the need to travel to the records it has also caused a great dis-service by multiplying the errors which others copy onward. So always take it as a clue, a place to start from. Even though there maybe errors in the Lancaster Co. Mennonite Society works they still hold the oldest and largest Mennonite record collection available. The whole purpose of this work is to "LEARN" who your family is. There is no getting around doing the work if you want the truth.

I want to thank everyone that has chimed in on my original post inquiring about Mennonite records! The discussion has been very informative and I appreciate everyone's help. I have found over the years that if I want information and guidance I can get it in short order by subscribing to the Rootsweb boards. I can attend class after class on research tips but where the 'rubber meets the road' is by talking with the local Rootsweb people! In the few weeks I've been working in the York area I've been the recipient of much information and have learned a lot about the availability of records. I will never be an expert at this but I know many of you are very specialized in certain areas. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with me and the others on this board. Sincerely, Sam Silvey