In a message dated 6/17/99 2:22:59 PM Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: << Yes, I remember that all that was Virginia back then, but if I remember correctly the time frame in Maryann's question was the early 1800's; thus that is was I based my answer on. >> Actually, the time frame was around or after 1854, when my grandfather Thomas was born. I am aware that the counties mentioned in my note were not part of Va at that time, but Samuel was born about 1814. At that time, the area now known as West Virginia was still a part of the state of Virginia. However the fact that Thomas was born in 1854 and stated on at least one Census that he was born in VA clouds the issue. Even in the 1900 and 1920 Census Thomas is still saying his father was born in VA. However, that does not mean that he (Samuel) died in VA - that is just a theory, based on the fact that he never shows his head that we can find, after his son's birth in 1854 - and the fact that Thomas says that he (Thomas) was born in VA also. > Also, according to Ann Fenley in The Ohio Open Records Law and Genealogy > (Dayton, Ohio: Ohio Connection, 1989) the two types of death records known to > be in existence before 1867 are records of cholera deaths, registered during > some epidemics and veterans deaths. Pat do you know where I might obtain this in a book? I live in TX and would be willing to look it up, if it were available. If it were not extremely expensive, I would even consider buying it. We are truly desparate to get some trace on this section of our family tree. I personally have been looking for over ten years. I have broken down several other walls, but this one is the absolute immovable one. I am starting to have nightmares about Sam & Dee (Samuel and Delilah Figley Dixon). <gggg> I also want to thank each and everyone of you for your responses, both on the list and privately. There are no dumb answers - because each and everyone of them have happened to someone at some time. I appreciate all the thought that your answers have exhibited. Thank you all for trying to help me. Onward and upward - I now have some clues to follow up on and ideas to check out. Thanks again for being such a great list. Maryann Dixon Moseby Proud Rootsweb Sponsor and M c E l r o y Listowner [email protected] for M c E l r o y [email protected] for General e-mail AOL Instant Messenger: Dixlan2 ICQ: 1631995