I had numerous families in Pickaway, Pike, and Ross counties who migrated to Illinois. Pike wasn't formed until 1815 [from Ross, Scioto, and Adams] so I would suggest you begin with Ross County. Pickaway was formed in 1810 from Ross, Fairfield, and Franklin. Scioto was formed in 1803 from Adams. Adams was formed in 1797 from Hamilton. Hamilton was an original county and formed in 1790. All of the mentioned counties are in southern Ohio. Good luck. Shirley In a message dated 4/16/2004 6:23:48 AM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: I have begun geneology research in Ohio trying to locate the birth of my gggrandmother. According to the 1850 & 1860 Illinois Census, she was born around 1804 in Ohio and was in Lincoln, Ill by 1843. Could some of you, who know the Ohio counties your Illinois ancestors were born in, give me the names of those counties as I hope those counties may have been the more populated ones where persons migrated to Illinois in the 1830's & 40's. Thanks for your help. JaneAnn Gifford Ft. Myers, FL