Check out this site for a long and drawn out explanation... http://newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/200-299/nb233.htm I found some letters on microfilm at the Family History Library from George Churchill of Troy to his nephew William Weeks in the Oregon Territory, and George uses the term Sucker or Illinois Sucker. Does anyone know its origin? I assume it's a term like "badger" for Wisconsinites. thanks, Karen ==== ILMADISO Mailing List ==== Search Engine for Genealogy Madison County Illinois http://www.google.com/search?q=Genealogy+Madison+County+Illinois&btnG=Google +Search