How you overcame a brick wall?

As for your second question. Visiting remote locations can be an amazing method to obtain material that cannot be obtained in any other way. The trick is advance preparation.

When I'm traveling on behalf of a client I plan my trip out at least a month in advance.

Contact all libraries in the immediate area first.

The Local History and Genealogy Departments (if existent) may be able to give you significant insight into any historical societies and even historians in the area.

When contacting the library be sure to ask about any fees for parking, restrictions on hardware (laptops, scanners, cameras, etc.). Make sure you have access to power outlets. Ask about internet access and any charges associated. Also ask costs for printing from microfilm/microfiche and use of the copying machine.

Ask about security concerns in the immediate area (are we in "the hood?"), any special road construction projects scheduled in the area for the dates in question, and recommendations for lodging.

See if you can contact any of the local historians prior to your visit. If you mentioned the family name you are researching to the librarian they may even have suggested known family members (possible descendants) in the area. See if you can get an email or phone number! If you can, arrange a luncheon visit with each individual to "pick their brain" for additional resources while you are there. Do this early in your trip so you can use the data later in the trip. (This assumes you are there for more than one day).

One last thing, don't forget to ask the librarian if they have access to any local newspaper archives. Some libraries have newspapers one cannot find anywhere on line. I've frequently found obituaries recorded nowhere else.

...oh, and don't forget to thank every librarian and person interviewed! A nice little card can go a long way to them later remembering "Uncle Ed's old family bible out in the shed" later!

Again, Best of Luck and Happy Hunting :)

/r/Genealogy Thread