In 1853 my great-great grandfather joined a small group who journeyed from Merome, Sullivan County, Indiana to Decatur County. I am researching a diary that he wrote and have accounts of the trip with Mr. Calvin Johnson and Stephen Carrithers and would like to discuss my data with someone having knowledge of the people and history of Decatur County.   Thankyou,   Jim Morriss  jmorriss@aol.com Thank you for your response to my note.  One of my great-great grandfathers was named James G. Bennett. He had very little connection with the state of Iowa, but on September 5, 1853 James was one of three young men who joined with the family of Calvin Johnson on a journey from Sullivan County, Indiana to Decatur County, Iowa. James was interested in (what he hoped would be) available land in the Nebraska Territory. James wrote some of his thoughts and experiences in a diary which has been passed down to his descendants.   I am seeking anyone with knowledge of the early settlement of Decatur County. I would like to find out what may have become of William Pridemore who was a 6 or 7 year old orphan taken in by Calvin and Sara Johnson. Any information on Mary Johnson and her brother Alfred would also be helpful.   My g-g grandfather's journal is only 13 pages but I would like to see it published somewhere. He decided not to remain in Iowa or Nebraska and eventually returned to Indiana. Even so, James' account of the trip should be of interest to people living in the areas where he visited.   Jim Morriss  jmorriss@aol.com Please contact Jim if you can help or add anything. Deborah