I am searching for information about Miner D(aniel) Blackman and his wife, Sarah Daphne Beebe, and family who resided in Mattoon at least between 1877 ( son Roy Beebe Blackman, my grandfather, was born Nov. 16, 1877) and ab. 1885, when they purportedly went West to California by train. Miner is listed in the 1880 Federal Census as a hardware dealer; if this is true, perhaps there would also be ads from him in the local paper? To date I have been unable to ascertain what newspaper(s) may have been in existence at the time that would have covered that area. I have not located any birth certificates or baptismal records. Birth registry was not required before 1878 and there does not appear to be a "delayed birth" record. I do not know what church they attended and have misplaced one suggestion sent to me years ago, by the Historical Society, I believe. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I am looking for any information on the family during this time period (and possibly at bit earlier) - birth announcement for Roy, ads from the business, socials, or mention of their departure from Mattoon. Carol Kredt in Canada --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.351 / Virus Database: 197 - Release Date: 4/19/02