I was hoping for a chance to chat with others in the chat room about trying new directions on my brick wall, but it's not been very active and no-one has said much of anything-just skimmed through. oh, well. anyway, I'd like some ideas on how to find my ancestor. I have searched family papers, vital records and census's, tried to find distant cousins (Francis had seven children), found my first cousins and half first cousins, found his will and marriage record, gathered photos, data and obituaries, checked County histories, posted numerous queries, and I still don't know much more about him than when I started. Francis Lee Collins was b. Nov 24 1832 near Birmingham, Alabama. his father was an Aleopath- more commonly known as a general practitioner, as far as I understand. he had a twin brother who was an Osteologist. their parent's died before 1850. I have checked the reverse will index and could find no listing for a Francis Collins I've considered the possibility that he may even have changed his name. I can't seem to make any headway on him at all. Cornelia