Hi Joan and all, The farthest I go back on the GOSSAGE (GORSAGE?) surname is Daniel GOSSAGE, who was born abt. 1800 in Tennessee (info. from the 1870 census, Schuyler Co). He was the father of Mary Elizabeth GOSSAGE of my last posting. Maybe a brother to your John? I haven't delved into Tennessee records yet, but will remedy that in September when we visit the FHL in SLC. On a related note, there has been quite a long thread of letters regarding the Nicholas GORSAGE family on the Brooke County WV mailing list. Many of Nicholas GORSAGE's children came to Schuyler County. Robin robin@firedragon.com ILSCHUYL Listowner Schuyler Co. ILGenWeb Coordinator http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilschuyl