Sherry and others -- Just want to let you know that our John Downing is not connected to the Timothy we've been discussing AFAIK. However, three of his grandchildren married three of Timothy's great grandchildren in Logan County, IL, ca 1855-60. One does have to wonder though, why Samuel Downing [Timothy's grandson] went to the exact same area in the middle of Illinois that John Downing did. They literally were across the creek from each other there in the middle of nowhere. And don't worry that you haven't gotten back any further than James Downing. [I have never seen any proof of James' marriage.] I don't know anyone who has including people who have nothing to do but search for this link. Cheryl Rothwell clrothwell@mindspring.com Logan County, ILGenWeb, coordinator http://www.rootsweb.com/~illogan/loindex.htm Logan County mailing list> LOGAN-L@rootsweb.com Downing mailing list> DOWNING-L@rootsweb.com