I just read the the Early family are descendants of Jeremiah Early, who came from the county of Donegal, Ireland and settled in what is now Madison County, Virginia, early in the 18th century. I hope this helps someone. (It was in the Bulletin of the New York Public Library) Janice Friel **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)