This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: JRay38M Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.adams/4578.4581.4637.1.1.1.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Now I'm interested as you mentioned White Co. IL McMinn Co. TN is very near the GA. border and appears to encompass at least a portion of the Cherokee National Forest. The TN River passes right near McMinn Co and continues on down into Alabama connecting below Huntsville with the other portion of the TN River which runs down from the Ohio River. The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. It is approximately 652 miles long. The river was once popularly known as the Cherokee River, among other names. It loops through northern Alabama and eventually forms a small part of the state's border with Mississippi, before returning to Tennessee. The final part of the Tennessee's run is in Kentucky. It then flows into the Ohio River at Paducah, Kentucky where it joins the Ohio River. This was major, major river trading, travelling and business areas. White Co. IL is just up a piece where the Wabash comes into the Ohio. Then you travel on down through Paducah and into where the Mississippi and Ohio rivers all join. Cape Girardeau MO was another major water way town up above where these two rivers connected. Cairo, IL was a big town back then. So this most likely is the areas you need to concentrate around. All this leads down the Mississippi and all those towns along the river into New Orleans was big business. WHY did I mention all this you are asking? Because my Adams (which were from Chester Sc) also went to White Co, IL. Some stayed there but others moved on to mostly MO and AR. I don't know anything about Jackson Co. IL but if you look at a map.... Cape Girardeau MO, Murphysboro/Carbondale, IL (Jackson Co.) Mt. Vernon Jefferson Co. and Carmi/Enfield (White Co. IL)where my Adams were are all in a trianglular area between the Railroads and Rivers. Murphysboro and Carbondale were very busy cities back then, also very near the Missouri River (mere moments before it came into Ohio and Missippii rivers) and also smack dab at the edge of the Shawnee Nat'l Forest and Trail of Tears State Park. Janean Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.