This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Sylvester, Laymon (Layman) Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/xg.2ADI/321.1 Message Board Post: Regarding your post in 1998 concerning Victor Sylvester: Having gone through many pages of Sylvesters, yours is the first to mention a migration from France. My great grandfather is said to have been born in Alsace- Lorraine France and migrated to this country, possibly through Canada. I do not know his birthdate. I believe he died in 1893 in or near Monroe, Ohio (Butler County). He left a wife, Samantha Angeline (Laymon) Sylvester (Born Dec. 30, 1847 and died Aug. 4, 1917) 8 children. My grandmother, Carrie Leona, was about 5 years old at this time. He had three given names, but I do not know for sure what order....Joseph William and Henry. He only left one son, William. The other children were daughters. I have Sarah Ella b.Dec 14, 1877 Anna Matilda b. Mar. 3, 1880 William Pleasant Joseph b. Nov. 9, 1881 Mary Elizabeth b. July 31, 1883 Bertha Edna b. aug. 28, 1885 Carrie Leona, b. Feb.5, 1888 Etta Mae, b. Apr 27, 1890 Flora Belle , who married Russel Henderson and lived and died in Chicago, but I don't have her birthdate. She was a song writer. Her husband was full blooded Cherokee. They had no children. William was killed working on constructing a bridge in Chicago in 1924 or 25. He never married, so the name was not carried on. The story I remember about Joseph Sylvester was: He was the oldest in a well to do family in France and was studying for the Priesthood (Roman Catholic), not because he wanted to but because of tradition, etc. Anyway, I was told, he ran away from home the night before he was to be ordained. This may or may not be true. I was told he spoke 8 languages fluently but had a very hard time trying to support his large family here in the US. I can find no record of his imigration. I have not found any record of his marriage. I know he is buried in Mound Cemetary, Monroe, Ohio (Butler County). I was told the records in Alsace-Lorraine were destroyed by fire during one war or another. If you have anything that relates, I would love to hear about it. Sincerely, June [email protected]