My father's name was John Raleigh Swikard (1904-1970), and he grew up in Chicago and Downers Grove. His father was Edward Swikard 1887-abt 1956), he married a Bernice Chapman, also in the Chicago area. His grandfather was Jacob Swikard (abt 1854-1910), a Chicago policeman from 1885 to prior to his death. He was married to Katherine Heelan, who grew up in Elgin, Illinois. Both of her parents were born in Ireland. I have wondered if any of the younger generations below me might be interested in what I have been learning, so I thought I might list names that I know have married into my family that I have no contact with. I have reason to believe that many would still be in the Illinois areas. My father was married to a Dorothy Near prior to marrying my mother. There were two daughters from that marriage, Barbara and Carol (deceased). Barbara married a man by the name of Fred Hendershott (the spelling may not be exact.) they had two sons I believe, and 3 daughters. These children would now be in an age spread from about 28 to 53 or so. Carol married a fellow by the name of Robert Berg (again I am not sure of the spelling) and I believe he may have settled in the Galesburg area. Carol died at 34 of a brain tumor, leaving 5 children from about 3 to 12. Those children would be today from around 35 to 46 or so. Carol and Bob lived in Florida prior to her illness. My father was 45 when I was born, so I had very little contact with my half sisters. If anyone out there recognizes the names BERG or HENDERSHOTT and has a link to the name SWIKARD, I would be happy to share what I have learned. Many Thanks, Jackie Swikard Shaffer