I, too, would be happy to contribute to the effort in Surry County when it materializes. In the meantime, could someone tell me if films of newspapers from Halifax or Pittsylvania County, VA, exist for the period around March/April 1863? My Jerman W. Pace purchased land at a public auction (deed transcription below) and I was wondering if I might be able to find anywhere a copy of the advertisement for the sale. Another such deed recorded a purchase by Jerman W. Pace in May 1877 and specified that the sale had been published in the Daily News, a newspaper published in the City of Danville, VA for at least one month prior to the sale. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Jeff Smith Fairfax, VA This deed made this 18th day of April 1863 Between JAMES YOUNG of the County of Halifax of the first part and JERMAN W. PACE of the County of Pittsylvania Witnesseth that whereas JAMES MCMILLAN and MARY E his wife did by Two Deeds the first bearing date the 18th day of September 1845 the second bearing date 30th day of April 1853 both recorded in the Clerks office of Halifax County did convey to the said JAMES YOUNG in trust to secure debts due WILLIAM T. BALLOW the Berry Hill Mills with six acres land attached thereto and also one other small peace of land containing Twenty three and three fourth acres with power and authority to the said JAMES YOUNG to sell the same when required by the said WILLIAM T. BALLOW or the said JAMES MCMILLAN or either of them they having consenting in writing to make sale at this time. And whereas the said JAMES YOUNG after having duly advertised the same the said JAMES YOUNG did on the 11 day of April 1863 on the premises for cash sell to the highest bidder at public auction. The said Mill and six acres land attached also the small tract adjoining the Mill containing Twenty three and three fourth acres and the said JERMAN W. PACE being the highest bidder at the price of twenty three hundred dollars became the purchaser of thereof. Now this Deed, Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty three hundred dollars the said JAMES YOUNG do grant unto the said GERMAN W. PACE shall have quiet and peasible possession of the said Mill and land before mentioned against the said JAMES YOUNG or any person or persons claiming by through or under him but against no other person or persons whatever. Witness the following signature and seal. James Young {seal}

I have purchased microfilm of a number of old newspapers, the latest being two from Petersburg from the 1811 - 1816 time period. The current name of the company which sells them is ProQuest, formerly Bell & Howell. They have lots of historic newspapers, rare books, etc. on microfilm. It isn't cheap, however. The last two that I bought cost $95 per reel. If you want to look at their catalog online, the web address is http://www.bellhowell.infolearning.com Ed Barnes edwardbarnes@sprynet.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeff Smith" <jeffm.smith@verizon.net> To: <VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2001 6:42 PM Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] old newspaper question > In the meantime, could someone tell me if films of newspapers from > Halifax or Pittsylvania County, VA, exist for the period around > March/April 1863?