I am sorry to say that I had a similar experience. I know that my
grandmother was born in Allen Co but they sent me a letter stating that they
found nothing. Same for her mother.
We were told that the staff at the Health Dept. pretty much does as they
wish and are inefficient. Also they do not allow researchers to search on
their own as other places we have visited, not even the local genealogical
society. I have been told it has something to do with the head of the
department. Things changed when this person came into power. Not sure if
it is an elected post or not. If it is, the local listers could help us out
in the next election. Just a thought.
As far as them keeping the money, that is right on the application. That is
pretty standard in the places I have dealt with. Even the Social Security
Admin. and the National Archives keep the money whether they find your
information or not.
I wish you well in your search.
Lucy Mossburg Bellville
Toledo, OH
Surnames: MOSSBURG/HAMILTON/ISABEY/WARE/THRAILKILL/WARE/KETTNER
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Smead" <bsmead(a)gte.net>
To: <INALLEN-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2001 7:41 PM
Subject: [INALLEN-L] Allen county, records office
I received an e-mail from my cousin the other day. She sent a check
to
Allen county for a couple of death certificates from the 1880's. They were
not able to find death records there even though both people died and are
buried in Allen county. Then they sent a letter telling my cousin that even
though they couldn't find anything, they were keeping the check for
"research fees". Are they serious?? I've NEVER heard of such a thing. I
thought that was part of their job. I've had many checks mailed back to me
because of no results. Any comments? Is this true in Allen county?
Brian E. Smead
Terre Haute, Indiana