In reference to the Impson web site, my G Grandfather, Levi Bentin Tippy appeared in the 1850 census in Southern Illinois with Raney Tippy, born in 'Georgia' as the mother and no father listed. The census also shows two sisters, Mary A. and Letha. Mary , b. 3-5-1827, married Simeon Smith, b. 4-2-1816, Cherokee County, Georgia. Letha, b. abt. 1831 ? My G Grand father, Mary "Putman" Smith, Simeon and Levi's daughter Margaret are berried in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Mcminn County Tennessee. My question, "Is it possible that my grandfather and his family, walked the Trail of Tears as a child and stayed in Southern Illinois?" I know this is probably silly, however the migration route came within a mile of my home, Down what is now R. 148 in Southern Illinois. There is also a reference to Mary "Putman" Smith. Would this be an original maiden name? As you can see, I have many question and very few answers. Any help would be greatly appreciated. http://community.webtv.net/JSTIPPY/TheTippyPage