sounds like the mother and younger brother should be in the 1860 census, then maybe find all of them in 1850 census. joe > Trying to pin down the parents of one Joseph B. Downing, Capt., 49th PA >volunteers, during the supression of the rebellion (apologies to Dyer). He >was wounded at Spottsylvania CH in 1864, and apparently had a brother, >William, killed in that same battle. The following document appears in his CW >file: > "I very respectfully ask for a leave of absence for fifteen days for the >purpose of visiting my family. My wife is sick, and having lost a brother at >Spottsylvania Court House on May 10, 1864, my mother is very anxious to see >me; I being the only boy left to her except a small one who is crippled." > It's dated January 9, 1865. Another document indicates a residence in >Lionville, Chester county, PA. Any ideas? Ray > > >==== DOWNING Mailing List ==== > > >