Dear Sam, From one genealogist to another, nice to make your acquaintance. I noticed your request for your hard to find surname info. We have, regardless of our experience or lack of it, have run into brick walls at one time or another, whether in our families homeland or right here in IL. That you've run into one for the family BLACHFORD is no surprise. I suggest that you contact one of the developers of the new email list ILROUTE66 list at <http:[email protected]> From what I've been able to determine as I continue to research my BOVENIZER/FITZELL/MCELLIGOTT & CANNER/ TENNANT names from Co. Kerry, Ireland to Cook & Will Cos. in IL, this new site covers over 200 families, back to 12th C. Ireland & 19th C. IL. Name distribution for my surname alone spreads to AZ, CA, CO, FL, MA, MS, & TX, at least. Of course, I cant say how far back it might go for you or others! My thought on [email protected] is merely: "Let's all return for a genealogy ride along the famous Route 66 that brought our European & Revolutionary & Civil War & settler families from Chicago westward across the new nation." God Bless you! Walter (& Joan) MCELLIGOTT, Peotone, IL (45 mi. so. of Chicago) MCELLIGOTT-L & Rootsweb sponsor <http://www.rootsweb.com/> Historical Society of Greater Peotone Public Relations Director _____________