Dear Listers, I am hoping you folks can give me a little guidance. Ira Jessie Shepard Holmes was born 17 July 1824 in Chitanago, Madison County, NY. He died 23 July 1916 at Appleton, Outagamie County, WI. On his death certificate his youngest daughter said Ira's father was named John Holmes. Dr. Jack Myers has a family Bible that says Ira's father is Simon. 1) Does anyone have a John Simon or Simon John Holmes in 1820 Madison County, NY? 2) Maybe Ira has a family name as his middle name, and is named after his Grandfather. Does anyone have a John Shepard ( wife named Betsy) in 1820s Madison County, NY? 3) Any other thoughts or directions? Brent