The Genealogue: Ask The Genealogue 4

Dear Genealogue,
My local library won't allow me to photocopy a couple of fragile books, and there's too much information in them to copy by hand. How can I get the information I need without violating the library's policy?
Doug in Rockville, CT

First, buy yourself a digital camera. There are several affordable models available these days. Next, catch the head librarian in a compromising position — preferably something involving the mayor and his paper boy — and snap a few pictures. With these photos in hand, you should find the library's policies much more flexible on your next visit.

Dear Genealogue,
I'm stumped. My gr-gr-gr-grandfather seems to have dropped off the face of the planet sometime after the 1880 census. I can't find a death record or a gravestone, and I can't find him in any later census. Any ideas?

Stanley in Greeley, CO

Your ancestor may have changed his name to "Sally," joined a transvestite minstrel show which toured the western United States (to mixed reviews) in the late 19th century, and been beaten to death with a riding crop after inflaming the passions of a young Teddy Roosevelt.

Of course, this is just a guess.