obituary of September 2, 1898 states that he was born near Manchester England Feb. 24, 1833 and was a lay preacher in England. It also states tht he came to the United states in 1870 and became an ordained minister. He was survived by one daughter, Mrs. John (M. Alice)Gillespie and two sons, Thomas and William. If anyone has any information about Thomas's siblings and/or parents, I would like to hear from you and exchange information. I have pictures of Thomas and more information about his daughter, M Alice who was my great grandmother. And for what it is worth I also have an engraved binocular case given to Thomas from the members of the Workman's Hall of Notting Dale dated June 6th 1865. Being unfamiliar the British geography, I am not sure if this is close to Manchester or not. Thanks. Kathy CANADA _________________________________________________________________