This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/XOG.2ACIB/1235.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Jenny, I have been told of nine children of Stephen and Matilda: Simon b. 1843 John b. 1845 Catherine b. 1846 Thomas b. 1848 James Wesley b. 24 Nov 1850 d. 14 Nov 1941 Buried in Bealsville, Monroe County, Ohio (my great grandfather) William b. 1854 George b. 1856 Oliver b. 1859 Mary E. b. 1863 Unfortunately, my father never attended any family reunions (if there even ever were any) so I have never had any information about any of James Wesley's siblings. I know he was married twice and had children by both wives. My grandmother, Freda Irene Bruce was one of four daughters he had by his second wife (Anna Mary McKnight). I don't remember his first wife's name. I have copies of patents he filed for and received for a steam powered threashing machine in the early 1900's. He never was able to get financing to set up any manufacturing process for the thing, though. I've often been curious where the middle name of "Wesley" came from. Many Methodist families named children "Wesley" in honor of the founder of the Methodist movement in England, John Wesley. But, a family by the name of Bruce ought to have been from Scotland and ought to have been Presbyterian. I know that my grandmother Irene Bruce's family was connected to the Church of Christ in Noble and Monroe Counties. Churches of Christ emerged from a movement begun by a Presbyterian named Campbell in the early 1800's. That doesn't explain the "Wesley" name, however. I'll certainly let you know of any information I might find about Stephen and Matilda. I live in Cleveland, Ohio and am able to drive to Noble and Monroe and Belmont counties fairly easily so I will be checking around down there. Kerry