This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: lheffner42 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.westvirginia.counties.preston/2772.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Jean.....You will not find birth records in WV/VA prior to 1853. That's when the Virginia legislature passed a law requiring births and deaths to be recorded. About the only source prior to 1853 is the reporting of the birth in the local newspapers. Of coarse you may get lucky and find a death certificate listing the actual birth date. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.