Hi Mary Beth - I've been spending the last few days checking out this William Bortree - (pension file definitely shows his signature as Bortree, not Bartree). My copy of William Akers' pension file does not state that Mr. Bortree is related to the heirs of Wm. Akers, only that he is a petitioner for the Akers' family. (Perhaps I did not receive all of the pages?) I have found no connection between Bortree and the Akers, other than they resided in the same neighborhood of Sterling Twp., Wayne Co., PA. William Bortree was born in Ireland in 1785. According to "The Genealogy of the Starbird-Starbard Family" by Alfred A. Starbird, Bortree's wife was Elizabeth Starbird/Starbard, d/o John & Hannah (Stroud) Starbird. There doesn't seem to be a familial connection to the Akers there, either. Does anyone have a copy of William Akers' (b. 1736) will or probate records? Lynnea In a message dated 11/26/2007 5:17:17 P.M. Central Standard Time, inquirewithin1966@yahoo.com writes: I have also read the pension application of William the veteran. At the end, it mentions a "Mr. Wm. Bartree, a relative to the heirs of Akers". Any idea who this guy is and if he can substantiate William the veteran being the father of William (1776-1850)? Mary Beth **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)