In answer to your role call: I live in Reston Virginia which is in Fairfax County and about 30 minuets (well, an hour with traffic) from Washington DC. I have access to the National Archives, Library of Congress, and Daughters of the American Revolution library in Washington. I live half way between Fairfax County Library (with it’s wonderful Virginia room) and Thomas Bach Library (a private history and genealogical library in Loudoun County). Both Fairfax and Loudoun County (VA) courthouses are within easy reach. I would actually love an excuse to do some research in a courthouse because I’ve never tried before. I am unfamiliar with the cemeteries in the region, but willing to do some research if someone needs the help. I did not answer the last roll call so permit me the ramble and I will tell you about my great Grandfather, Edward Cowan – b. 1836 in Blythe, Huron County, Ontario, Canada, d. on 8 Apr 1921 in Hannah, Cavalier County, North Dakota. m. Mary Emily Hemstreet on December 30, 1877 in Freeborn, Freeborn County, Minnesota. They had 10 children, Rev. Bert Edward Cowan b. Austin, MN on 24 Jan 1880, d. on 8 Sept 1957 in Crystal City, Manitoba, Canada. Lovella, b. 1883. Albert Agnus, b. on 1 Apr 1885 in Watertown, Codington, South Dakota, d. 4 Feb 1966 in Hannah, Cavalier County, North Dakota Grace Cowan, b. on 10 Apr 1887 in Watertown, Codington, South Dakota, d. 6 Jul 1905 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Charlie, b. in 1889 in Watertown, Codington County, South Dakota, d. 1900 in Thornhill, Manitoba, Canada Carrie Ethel, b. on 28 June 1891 in Watertown, Codington County, South Dakota, d. 7 December 1984 in Langdon North Dakota Evelyn (Effie), b. in 1894 in Stanley, Manitoba, d. 9 March 1910 in Fairlight, Manitoba Norman Lester Cowan (My grandfather), b. 17 October 1896 in Stanley, Manitoba, d. 17 September 1983 in Renton, King County, Washington. Lillian, b. 14 Feb 1889, d. 30 Dec 1972. Annabelle, b. 21 Dec 1900 in Morden, Manitoba, d. 2 Jan. 1990 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Edward’s siblings were: Charles, Maryann, Edward, my gr. grandfather, (William b. 18 May 1841 in Quebec, d. 20 Sep 1928 in Portage La Prairie) (17 Apr 1843 in Quebec, d. Stanley, Manitoba) (Thomas B. 2 Jan 1848 in Quebec, d. 6 March 1937 in Blythe, Huron, Ontario) (Ellen b. 17 Apr. 1850, d. 22 May 1934) (John, b abt. 1852, d. 20 Jan. 1924) (James Aaron, b. 13 Mar 1855 in Hemmingford, Quebec, d. 2 Oct 1928 in Thronhill, Darrington District, Manitoba) (Phebe Isabelle, b. 15 Apr 1858 in Stanley, Huron County, Manitoba) I have James Aaron’s death certificate which lists the mother and father as Mary Jane Savage (b. abt. 1826, d. 5 Apr 1902) and John. I know that Edward's parents were born in Ireland by the census. My guess is there was a split in the family after Edward was born. Rumor has it that Edward’s mother was Janet Catherine. I believe Janet died and Mary Jane was John’s second wife. This would make sense because of the vast difference in ages and the fact the family moved in mass to Saskatchewan except for Charles, Maryann and Edward. I am working on confirming this. Any suggestions about where to look next would be welcomed. Edward is not my only relative that I’ve traced back to marriage but can’t seem to get any more. _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/