Hello List, I have received an interesting article about families that started from McLean, IL and went to Kansas Territory and in 1856 because they wouldn't ride with Georgia and Missouri mobsters to terrorize abolistionists they were to be forced from their new homes. Hobson with an old wagon and tired animals told Mrs. Barnes and children, and his own family back to McLean and Ebenezer Barnes and Isaac Dement were never heard from again. Can anyone help me identify these people. I think this Ebenezer Barnes is the brother of my direct relative, William Harrison Barnes, and son of Ebenezer Barnes Sr. and Ruth Dement. Ebenezer Barnes died in McLean, IL in 1836 and is buried there. Here is some of the information to let you know what I am looking into. Daily Illinois State Journal, Springfield, II (Vol. IX No. 92) September 29, 1856, page 2, column 2 MORE OF THE KANSAS OUTRAGES Editors of the State Journal: Gents: - Though your columns we wish to call the attention of the citizens of Illinois to a plain statement of the facts in the relation to the treatment received at the hands of a Missouri and Georgia mob in Kansas Territory, by three highly repectable and peaceable families, who emigrated from McLean county about eighteen months ago, and settled near Waukarosa, K.T. viz: Mr. Ebenezer Barnes, Isaac DEMENT, and Wm. Hobson. These men were not politicians, but farmers, and all sold good farms in Illinois and went to Kansas Territory with the view of bettering their worldly condition and aiding in the improvement of that new country: and through their industry and their practical knowledge of their business, they were beginning to reap the reward of their labor. Mr. Barnes purchased a claim on Sugar Creek, for which he paid $800 in cash, had 100 acres cultivation and was Post Master at Sugar Mound. Mr. DEMENT was engaged in merchandising at the same place, and was doing a good business. Mr. Hobson had a good farm in the same settlement, had just put in operaton a steam saw mill, and had all the machinery for wool carding nearly ready for busienss. During the month of August these men were several times called on to assist in driving out the Abolitionists, but refused to take any part in the slavery controversy, thinking that they would thus be permitted to enjoy their homes in peace. But this did not satisfy the "law and order men," who intimated that if they did not render the required assistance they would be driven out of the Territory. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Charlene Swan [email protected]