Hi everyone, I've been taking courses online from the National Institute of Genealogical Research, based here in Canada, associated with the University of Toronto. There are courses on Irish, Scottish, German, Australian, American, etc. genealogy and general organizational courses, too. They do cost but you don't have to leave your computer. I have specialized in the English stream and the courses are excellent (very well-researched). I have learned so much. You can just be a 'viewer' of the course or you can be a student and do the assignments and get credits. Check out the website for yourself. Sheila Hewett, Ontario, Canada

Hi All I have downloaded a will for JF ELPHINSTONE who died in 1854. He was buried in Brighton. It appears that he was visiting for the winter. He was from Lingfield in Surrey where he owned Ford Manor (which he bought in 1826) My connection is that my ancestor Sam FORD (1851 census,) Samuel Ford HAYES by 1855 (marriage) was one of his servants. Sam Ford HAYES was born in Nanking China c1828. According to information regarding Elphinsone he left part of his estate to his Chinese servants, including Sam FORD. One of Samuel Ford Hayes gransons has the name Elphinstone as his middle name. I am finding it very difficult to read the will. If anyone is able to help I would be most appreciative. It is a 9 page document. It is now 10:15 pm here in NZ so I will be offline until tomorrow morning (NZ time). Please reply off list if you can help me. Cheers Chris Farrington