Hello! I am new to this list. Born and raised in Iroquois County, IL and now residing in Orange, CA. I know nothing about Madison Co. but want to learn! I am researching the EDWARDS family, primarily the family of Jesse B. EDWARDS, born 1811 in Ohio. A 1985 History of Iroquois County says the EDWARDS family established a farming community, in the 'southern part of the state' as well as the town of Edwardsville. Can someone tell me when Edwardville was founded and by whom? Jesse B. and wife Angeline (Smith) and family were in Scioto Co, Ohio in 1850. By the 1860 US census they were in Belmont Twp., Iroquois County. Jesse B. and two of his older sons (by his first wife, Mary Brown) served in the Civil War. It has been reported that Jesse died in Macoupin County in 1869. That has not been confirmed by me and the origin of that info is unclear. Is he on the 1870 Madison County census? What happened to Jesse's wife Angeline and twins William and Mary, born @1851 in Ohio and George S. born 1853 in Ohio after Jesse B. died? By 1880 the youngest son, George Spencer EDWARDS, was back in Iroquois County and married. He raised a family and died there in 1919. Jesse's older sons bought land and remained in Iroquois County. I am also looking for the family of George SPENCER and wife Sara Jane (SMITH) in Madison County by 1870. They had sons Alonzo, Leroy, William and Jesse. Is there an index to the 1870 Madison County US census? Any help would be sincerely appreciated! Joanne (JONES) Lehman at erictem@earthlink.net