Katherine is right -- use abstracts to begin (and mostly to hasten) your research, but, if at all possible check the information against the originals. Most of the time, one can borrow films of these records through a nearby Family History Center the filmed records held by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. I have found some errors in not only Jo White Linn's published abstracts but also in some of the marriage bonds of various North Carolina counties compiled by Brent H. Holcomb. As one of my correspondents reminds me, however, some of the documents these dedicated persons had to work with are/were in horrible condition. I do rely heavily on abstracts but when time allows [this is currently in VERY short supply] I do like to check the filmed originals. Some of the films were photographed long ago, and they too are not very helpful. (And, alas, particularly in Virginia, there are *burned* counties--with large gaps in the records. May everyone have good luck in pursuit of those elusive ancestors. E.W.Wallace ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour