well that explains it! Thanks Bill!!! I am starting to understand more on how all of this works...if I need a copy of a death record..over 50 years old. I should check Library Archives, how about birth records? Is it the same? In a message dated 4/3/2008 1:31:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, wmcconne@bellsouth.net writes: I seem to be back to only getting about 10% of the messages posted so it's hard to keep up with the conversation. I just wanted to mention that the dept of vital statistics doesn't have that death certificate anyway. They only keep the last 50 yrs. After that they go to the Tennessee Library & Archives and are put on microfilm. Sounds like you've been dealing with a typical state employee. "You can't have it unless you jump through some hoops for me after which I will tell you that we don't have it anyway". Bill Mc -------------- **************Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv00030000000016)