Annette, That's interesting about William. I knew he had served in the military. His brother, James, was my 3rd great grandfather so that must make us about 5th cousins I think. You probably already know that William's wife, Mary Jane THOMAS, and James' wife, Elizabeth THOMAS, were sisters. They had another sister, Genetta THOMAS, who married John Raleigh RAINWATER. Genetta and John also became my 3rd great grandparents. They had a son, Miles Evan RAINWATER who married and eventually left Casey County and moved to Page, OK. Miles was the mail carrier between Page, OK and Beaucamp, Arkansas. His daughter, Emmer (Emma) married James GILPIN's grandson, Jona GILPIN. I am Jona's great-granddaughter. Small world, isn't it?! I'd love to share more information with you and learn how you descend from William. I bet we other surnames in common. Sheree

I compiled a CD of all my mother's lines from Casey County and gave a copy fo the CC library about 5 years back. If it hasn't been lost or destroyed, there is a great deal of info on the Gilpins, Thomases, and many others with good documentation. It was made with Family Tree Maker which has a fairly decent search capability. Annette