Hi Folks, I've just joined this list, due to a recent clue that I need to investigate. There is a Lawrence RYAN listed on the 1870 census in LaSalle. In his household is wife Mary, and children Mary E., age 13 and John, age 9. Lawrence and Mary were born in Ireland, and the children were born in Ohio. My greatgrandmothers name was Ellen "Nellie" RYAN, and she was born in Ohio abt 1860. My father was told his whole life that Nellie was from Illinois. All documentation that Nellie was a part of indicates birthplace as Ohio. After Nellie died, the children answered their mother was from Illinois. I have been stuck for about a year on this, as I've never been able to find Nellie in a family unit with her parents Lawrence & Mary. This particular family appears to be promising as a match, but I need to do the work and get verification. Nellie was living in Cincinnati in 1880, in the Charles Taft household as a servant. She married William MARTIN, a waiter at Hunt's Hotel in Cincinnati on 3 NOV 1880, at St. Xavier's Church. I have the marriage record from the church. Between the date of marriage and 4 SEP 1881, Nellie & William moved to New York City. Their firstborn came on that date, a daughter they named Mary E. If anyone has any information on the family stated above in the 1870 census, I'd be most grateful. Also, any websites that would be searchable for records in the LaSalle area would be appreciated. I should also mention that Mary RYAN, wife on that census, her maiden name was McCloud/McLeod. Can anyone tell me what sort of work would take a person from Ohio to Illinois? Could it be railroad? Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions, I really appreciate it. Lori