Check this; "I'm looking for my g-grandmother's marriage record and can't find it. Does anyone know where I can find it?" I see that request so often I wonder how they might think I would know when they haven't given any dates. Prior to 1907 the record systems were so very different from today that I could only guess. Some states didn't even try to keep records until 1912, and others only started their current system in 1908. The best I can do is suggest you check at your local library for the book that tells when and where records were started and where they are kept today. It's different for every state and record type prior to 1907. A guess for the date is better than nothing for a request like that. For my files every record has a date. Some say About and some say Guess, but they do have dates. The next person will have something to start with, if I get run over tomorrow and can't finish my work. If you don't want to chase down to the library for the information there is the "Handybook for Genealogists" put out by the LDS, that can be found in a Family History Center [FHC] or even at many Genealogical Societies. For VIRGINIA you will find: Until 1786 the Anglican Church was the state church of Virginia. In accord- ance with English law the church kept parish registers of vital statistics. Unfortunately, most of these are no longer in existence. Those that do ex- ist have been photocopied and are in the Virginia State Library. ------- To verify current fees, call 804-786-6228. The Archives Division of the Virginia State Library has copies of all exist- ing birth and death records prior to 1896, and marriage records 1853-1935. Beginning in 1660, a couple could marry by posting a bond with civil author- ities or publishing banns at church. Reporting was required after 1780, but was sometimes done before that. Probate records are at the county level with the general court and circuit superior court. Independent cities have pro- bates at the circuit court clerk's office. Lists of residents are available for some colonial years. Lists for 1624 and 1779 have been published. After that you will find a list of Genealogical Archives, Libraries, and Societies, followed by lists of printed sources. Finally the counties are given, listing their parent county and when records were first kept there. Since each state and county is different it's a very helpful book and shows what I've said before is important. Know the geography and history for the area you're interested in. They both are very important along with dates. Happy to help anytime, John *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====* # John Wm Sloniker <johnwms@serv.net> Seattle, WA # # (206) 789-6663 7323 - 19th Ave NW 98117-5612 # # =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- # # I have Ancestors, Aunts, Cousins, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters. # # Some are very good, some are very bad, but they're all mine. # *====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====*