Joann - My Colwell and Thomas families are from that area (also Bethel and Bronson). I have found info on them (obits and marriage) in the Coldwater Semi-Weekly Republican (my info was in 1876, 1879, 1883, ) and Bronson Independent (1888) newspapers. Those old newspapers are so "newsy". The State of Michigan Library in Lansing has those newspapers on microfilm. (www.libofmich.lib.mi.us) Have been to the Branch County Clerk's office in Coldwater - they were helpful and nice www.vitalrec.com/micounties phone 517-279-4306) Also the Coldwater Libray across the street from the Co Clerk Office houses the Branch Co Genealogy and has lots of info nicely indexed and old newspapers on microfilm (Branch Co Genealogical Society, PO Box 443, Coldwater, MI 49036 can't find their web site at the moment). The Clarke Library which is part of the Park Library at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant also has a large collection of old newspapers on microfilm (www.lib.cmich.edu/clarke) and lot more info that I haven't even looked at yet. The Family History Center in East Lansing has microfilm of vital statistics for Mich by county(not sure what years) Phone 517/332-2932. I am frequently at the State of Mich Library and Family History Center and if you have specific information (names, birth, marriage, death and dates) I would be willing to try to find it for you. (please e-mail me direct pbailey1948@aol.com) Good luck and keep on the lookout for Colwell and Thomas families. Also I am sure the Branch Co Geneology Soc would probably appreciate copies of anything you find. Pat