Sharon and Merriel: Horse and wagon is also a consideration in 1840-50's, as families probably had household goods they could not transport on a train or by ship. My own ancestor, Ezbon ALLEN, came by horseback from Indiana in 1842, a single man whose possessions would be scant. The KELLY and O'MARA families came to Rock Island in 1850's from Lancaster Co, PA. I assume they came by horse/wagon, maybe with a trip down a river, when possible, to the next point where they could continue land travel. Kathryn Jennings