Jerree, I am sorry but I believe you have a different notion of what this list if for than I do. My understanding of the various lists is for folks to join who have similiar lines to share information they have, not to do other's research for them. I am under the impression that the websites for various states, counties, etc. is the place to post copies of wills, censuses, probate records, Bible records, family letters, etc. so that anyone interested could go to them for further research----and not necessarily be a member of any list. Many people do not have the spare time to spend reading the messages from a surname list because of their busy lives or their jobs, so the websites allow them to "keep their hand" in their genealogical pursuits. Your statement, " I have been to the county site and been over it with a fine tooth comb but much of it is in the 20th century like most county history books." is, I believe, in error as I have shared several items I have personally researched in both the Montgomery Co. library and in the Archives dating back to 1800---which, unless I am mistaken, was in the 19th century. If you would look closer I believe you will find many others who have done the same. Personally, I think the Montgomery Co.website is very informative and well maintained. Perhaps you might want to visit a site called "Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness at http://raogk.rootsweb.com/ to see if there is someone there who would be willing to do some lookups in Montgomery Co. for you if you are unable to go yourself or to hire someone to do research in that county for you. I have been a member of this organization at various times when I have had the time to do lookups and I continue to try to help anyone who is wanting research from the county I live in. Perhaps you could volunteer your services for your county as well. As for another of your statements, "I just don't see how people can do genealogy and exclude history and it's causes and effects." I don't think arguing the Civil War ad nauseam does anything to enhance a list that you already consider a "dead list". There are periods of time during the year when all of the lists are a little slow as most of us do not let genealogy consume our lives to the point of forsaking our real lives. Some of us work, some of us travel, some of us just take a break from the computer. I believe you owe the members of this list an apology for your hasty words---and I hope we are all generous enough to accept that apology. Please understand that this is just my opinion and I have no intention of starting another "war". I would not have answered your message as part of the public forum if you had not made your statements in the same vein and I do feel, at least on my part, that it needed a response. If you have anything further to discuss with me please do so off the list so others will not be subjected to our discussion. Again, just my 2¢ worth. Jean Hancock in TX ----- Original Message ----- From: <Katt1930@aol.com> To: <TNMONTGO-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 11:17 PM Subject: Re: [TNMONTGO-L] Re: TNMONTGO-D Digest V02 #118 Katharan, What I meant was that we were lucky if we get one or two queries a week.....and mine and William's would blow the whole week. This is a `dead' list....I would even appreciate a recipe and I HATE to cook. I have been to the county site and been over it with a fine tooth comb but much of it is in the 20th century like most county history books. There has got to be some good stuff in the court house but how does one get to it. They don't answer mail. On other lists people post all kinds of wills, court minutes, deeds that they find doing their own research......you never know what will help someone else. I have asked for a few census families and was overwhelmed with the quick responses by so many people, willing to help. I just don't see how people can do genealogy and exclude history and it's causes and effects. Thanks for writing! jerree