Hi Helen, I see that you have Blankenships in Illinois. I am looking for Thomas J. Blankenship, who is my stone wall on my Blankenship tree. What little I know on him is that he was born in Illinois (from census records), He was married in Maury County, Tennessee in 1863 (have copy of license), and he disappeared off the face of the earth after 1866. I also know that there is a WHOLE LOT of Blankenships in Illinois during the period I am searching. I read everybody else's posting on their Blankenships in Virginia and England and think how lucky they are to be that far back. I have been stuck on this guy for about two years, with no idea how to get past him. I have even tried his wife's side of the family (Dodson). I have them traced back to 1607. At any rate, to make a long story longer, If you happen to come across anything in Illinois or Tennesse that might resemble Thomas, would you please drop me a line. I sure would like to get back to work on my Blankenship's, if I could get past this very frustrating grandparent. Thanks and have a really good day, Paul Blankenship