I am new to this list. The name I'm researching is now spelled Ferriss but at one time was spelled Farris & Phares. I am researching Thomas Farris born in MD in the middle 1700s & died in ON, Canada in the early 1800s. His son Joseph was also born in MD between 1764-1769 and died in ON. I think they migrated from Emmitsberg, Frederick Co., MD to Cumberland Valley Twp., Bedford Co., PA as Thomas was listed in tax lists & the militia. Strangely, Thomas & Joseph migrated to Grosse Ile, MI and to Upper Canada as United Empire Loyalists. They obtained land in Canada as Loyalists as evidenced by their land petitions. I think Thomas' father was also Joseph who was born in Mansfield, Burlington Co., NJ abt 1708 and migrated to Philadelphia. He then was part of the Marsh Creek Settlers in Adams Co., PA before ending up in Frederick Co., MD. He was married to Isabella and he had another son John who stayed in Frederick Co., MD. These connections are not completely proven but look very possible. Is anyone else researching these families? Linda