I am relatively new to your mailing list. For years I have been trying to solve the mystery of my great grandfather Alanson W. Barnes and his brother Edwin, their family, and birthplace in NY State. I am seeking information on Edwin W. Barnes born 1834 in NY State. Edwin is my great uncle and until very recently I only had knowledge of him from an 1880 Steele Co MN Federal Census, where he was enumerated at the farm of my great grandfather Alanson W. Barns (mispelled on 1880 census) who was also born in NY State in 1836. Recently, knowledge of another Edwin W. Barnes in MI came to my attention. This Edwin lived in Newaygo Co as a farmer and later Ionia Co as an employee at the state prison system. The same Edwin was a member of the MI 7th Cavalry, CO K. This Edwin was married to Alma French. I am trying to determine if the 2 Edwin's are one and the same. Both are the same age, and both born in NY State. I am aware that the Edwin from MI was enumerated in the Big Prairie, Newayco Co Twp in 1880. The enumeration for Newaygo and Berlin, Steele Co MO were done on different dates, so it is possible that Edwin may have traveled from MI to MN and been counted twice. We have never known who the parents of Edwin and Alanson were, nor do we know where in NY they were born. ANY information would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you. Gena Gates Lally