> ROOTS-L file: README1
>
> From csfac.uwlax.edu!thibault Thu Mar 24 23:11:09 1994
> From: Henry Thibault <thibault@csfac.uwlax.edu>

[This] probably also has things you already know, and is abrupt in places.
No offense intended.  I don't get paid, and thus can't do a custom
job for everybody.

Don't forget your libraries!  Our small University and Public
libraries have the Everton _Handybook_ and _The Source_ and lots of
other refs that can tell you what to do; more than anybody could
ever email you.  Local genealogy clubs can be a big help, too.
Members often use or even work for the library.


When you subscribe to ROOTS-L, you [need] get two files which you should
read and understand before doing any heavy posting, because much work has
already been done for you.  Note especially:

     FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions: "How do I...",
     "What Software...", etc.) with answers

     RSL (Roots-L Surname List: who is searching what surnames)

     Send LISTSERV commands like SUBscribe, SEARCH, /SHIP, etc.
     to the LISTSERV address, NOT to the ROOTS-L address.

Also, PLEASE send messages for individuals ONLY to the individual's
email address and not to the list address that begins ROOTS-L...
which sends it to ~5,000 people.

Understand your own computer and software.  Using an automated
"Reply"  feature often generates a posting to all those people on
ROOTS-L without your knowing it.


As you study, watch a few days of traffic and notice how many
people are wasting their own and other people's time and money.
Each thing posted goes to ~5,000 people, many of whom pay ~25 cents
for it.

Here are the two intro files again.  They are followed by a file I
wrote  that tells you how to search ALL messages (including all
RSL's) ever posted to ROOTS-L for a surname or anything else, and
ways to find living people and dead ends.  It is a condensation of
info from other files and ROOTS-L postings.

================= file 1 =============

The volunteers who give of their time to operate and improve
<*MUNCH*>
ENJOY!

================= file 2 =============

Dear networker,

  Your subscription to list ROOTS-L (ROOTS-L Genealogy List) has
been accepted.
<*CHOMP*>
Virtually, The LISTSERV management

================= my file ============

[Note from List Administrators - This option is not yet available.
However, if you request GENEALOG.SRCHFILE, you will be shown another way
to search archives messages.]

You can search for a surname (or anything else) in ALL of the
40,000+ postings ROOTS-L since 1988.  Do one at a time so as not to
overload the computers.  I do mine about 2a.m., fellow night owls.
<*SNARF*>
If you don't find anything to follow up, search for your next name.

========== Searching for living individuals ===========

1.  You can search Compuserve's national phone file - costs 25?
cents a minute, which is cheaper and quicker than many
alternatives.  Maybe friends will help if you buy a few beers.

2.  A few vendor offer CD-ROMS with national phone directories,
along with search software.  The fancier, the pricier.  See your
library or maybe friends will help if you buy a few more beers.


3.  Coll grad? ==> alum assoc directories.

4.  Scientists, MD's, librarians, authors, many other professions
==> library directories.

5.  Know a lawyer or a cop or a fed or a narc or?  Have one in your
rooters' club?  Ask.  They gotta find 'em before they nail 'em.

========== DEAD ENDS? ============

Did you look for deeds?  Search the Grantee and Grantor Indexes at
the county office that registers deeds, then copy the deed(s).  If
your dead ends owned the house, or any other real estate there,
they either sold it, or their heirs (NAMES! ADDRESSES! RIGHT
THERE!) did, or the sheriff (look there, too) did.  Contact the
courthouse in advance to make sure they're open and well let you do
it.  Maybe check on them with the gen and/or hist soc or library or
a title company or a lawyer before you call.  Some are very
helpful; others are unbelievable jerks.

Enjoy.

Henry Thibault
thibault@csfac.uwlax.edu