In a message dated 9/13/02 1:05:14 PM, Joyce2005@aol.com writes: << The courthouse was severely damaged by a tornado in Jan 1999 and has yet to be reopened.I dont know where they are keeeping the records that they managed to save.Possibly the County Archives.Under those circumstances,you may not hear from the courthouse for a long time,I'm not even sure where the temporary courthouse is here in Clarksville. >> I became aware of the tornado since I have joined this list...... I was referring to past years, like at least 20+ years I have written to the courts, etc, in Montgomery-TN with requests for information on my HARRISON & HEFLIN families, and always included a stamped, addressed envelope......I have never received so much as a `go to elsewhere' in return. Other counties (if they don't look up stuff) would pass your letter on to a local reseacher or send you a list of local researchers.......not so in Montgomery-TN. Now that everybody in the world is doing genealogy and has a computer, things are different. I have received instant info on census and such...... Since references to any and all parts of history (like the war1861><1865) are not allowed on the local lists, it is hard to kindle any interest since many people don't post dates with names so one never knows which century is being discussed. I have always been curious as to why my relatives in that county with houses full of able bodied men were not involved in that unmentionable war. Were they for one side, were they for the other side, were they `draft dodgers'??? I think genealogy and history go hand in glove.......I never post a name, birthday or death without asking myself what was going on ~that date~ in the world......another flaw in my character....... jerree