Janis, >You mentioned that some early probate records do exist. I know that I found >reference to a 1859 probate record in the Footprints, that I am interested in >sending for the original record do you know where these early records are >located and who I should write to? Years ago I obtained copies at the County Clerks Office. They had a filmed copy and the originals were not stored on premises. However, I believe you can now view the film at the Ft Worth Public Library. I'm not sure what provision they make to help us via USMail. Check: http://www.rootsweb.com/~txtarran/source/research.htm#library >I know I wrote to the Tarrant County Clerk on another ancestor who died in >April 1880 and they sent back a form letter that saying that they didn't find >anything in Probate. Is there another place I should write? I am not sure about this........but wonder if you also asked them to look for a WILL? Seems they would both be together - but "it ain't necessarily so". I don't recall about the Tarrant co. but know that in another TX county, I found a will in the "Will Book" for one ancestor and a Probate Packet indexed in another book altogether for a second ancestor. Maybe someone with more Tarrant Experience can help us on this???? Jean