I am looking for any information on the DOWNING family. I scant records show that James DOWNING, born c. 1754 in the Carolinas or Ireland, died in Bond Co., IL in 1834. Tradition says he had 1 son and 11 daughters. The son was William DOWNING, born 1872 in North Carolina. William married Rhoda SHORT and moved to Dade Co., Missouri shortly after 1834 and died there in 1857. William and Rhoda had several children, most of whom appear to have been born in Illinois. William & Rhoda would be my great great grandparents. If anyone has any additional knowledge I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks. Marilyn Martin jmartin@rapidnet.com Rapid City, South Dakota