Posted on: VanBuren Co. Ia Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/VanBuren/11322 Surname: MADDEN ------------------------- Betty, I have wondered since I was a little girl if the Maddens of Cantril were related to my Madden family of Mt Sterling. There are only a few miles between the two towns. How could they not be related? The name is not that common. My family said they didn't think they are related and I have met one member of the Cantril Madden family that said he didn't think they were related to the Mt Sterling clan. If you should find a trail leading back to Londonderry Guernsey Co Ohio or even farther back to Londonderry Ireland, they could very well be connected. I know my GGG Grandfather John Madden had to have had siblings that came with him to this country in early 1800s. Thomas Harvey Madden had a son named Joseph Bates Madden. Which tells me the name Joe was used in both groups of families. But, the Irish seemed to use the same names in every family, so it is less likely that we can use given names as a sign of relationship, please correct me if I'm wrong. How far back have you been able to trace your line? Thanks for your posting.