Do You Know the Spot?

Sometimes you need a local expert familiar with all the dirt to help you dig.

Some times it takes someone really familiar with the location and the local records to help you find all there is to find and interpret it correctly.

The courthouse, local library, genealogical/historical society, etc. are all good places to find names of people who are familiar with local resources and may be able to help you. That person may or may not live in the area any more. What you want is someone who is familiar with things, not necessarily someone who lives next door to the courthouse (although sometimes that helps).