This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: barrychapman59 Surnames: RENCH, PEALE, RUSH, CLAYPOOLE Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.maryland.unknown/7563/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Does anyone know which Eastern Shore county of Maryland was home to the artists and sisters, Sarah Rench c1744-c1769 and Mary'Polly'Rench c1747-1806?? The Rench sisters were mentioned by noted painter, Charles Willson PEALE, when he said "Among them was a painting by one of the Rench sisters, both from the Eastern Shore and both artists". Polly, who married Judge Jacob RUSH and Sarah, who married James Claypoole Jr., are also mentioned by John Sartain in 'Reminiscences of a Very Old Man 1808-1897' (New York 1899) who said:- "Miss Polly Rench, sister to Mrs James Claypole, painted in miniature and had the merit of maintaining her mother and brother by the work of her pencil. She was a native of Maryland and probably first embraced the idea of painting from the connection of her sister, but of this I want information. She married Mr Rush, then a young practitioneer of Law since a judge." Any information at all regarding the Rench sisters, their parents and sibling(s)would be most gratefully received. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.