Hi, Barnes researchers: I have a BARNES story to tell. I am a descendant of Matthew PEPPER and America (surname unknown) who homesteaded Washington Territory in 1870. I have never been able to make any connections to any ancestors for either of them. Recently I was visiting a fellow family history researcher in Milton-Freeater, OR, which is 3 miles below the Oregon-Washington border in southeastern Washington State. He told me that in 1993, a couple visited Milton-Freewater from Wisconsin, looking for this PEPPER family. This is the only PEPPER family who ever settled the Pacific Northwest as far as I know, so there is a definite connection. The man did not remember this couples' name, but stated they told him that this PEPPER family was related to a BARNES family in Wisconsin. I do know that Margaret and Jane PEPPER, two sisters, were both born in Wisconsin in the 1850s. The two known sons, Matthew and James, were supposedly both born in Illinois or Indiana. Do any of you researchers know about this connection between the BARNES of Wisconsin and the PEPPERS who settled at the stateline area of Washington, near Walla Walla? Gwen Wall _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/