Pat, In reference to your question about the Edward Mattox who married Eda Parsons sometime around 1840 and the McKiernan surname, I found the following: 1879 Lee Co. History, Keokuk City, page 708: Parsons, George R., insurance agent. Same book, Jackson Township, page 721: Parsons, A.L., student. Parsons, J.W., plasterer. Same book, Van Buren Township, page 886: Parsons, H.J., farmer, section 26; P.O. Belfast No direct connection, but hope this may prove helpful to you, Mary Sue