Jane, I don't think I'll be able to help you with how your g' grandfather got his "Gregory" middle name. All of my Gregorys have been in NY state (to the best of my knowledge, at least). (Exc. James Gregory, Sr., was b 6 Nov 1827, in CT. He died in NYC in 1912.) I think his father's name was Benjamin and, according to James' death certificate, Benj. was born in Ireland (no idea where), and so was his unknown (to me!) wife. I have no idea what Benj. did for a living, but James was a lawyer and apparently a very good one. I also have an Elizabeth GREGORY, b1603 @ Great Bentley, Essex, England. She marr Richard WEBB, Sr., and she d in 1680 (pod unknown). I nearly forgot: Benjamin and his Unkn. wife also had a dau names Elizabeth. Their other children were James*, Sarah, Benjamin, Caroline, and William. No info on any of them, unfortunately. Sorry not to be more helpful to you! If you run across any NY Gregorys, please let me know...maybe we could find a connection. Happy Hunting! Barbara