Carol, I have a James D. Mitchell born March 31, 1850, (some where?) in Indiana; Married December 25, 1878, in Elkhart County, Indiana to Mary A. Coleman born June 1856 (some where?) in Ohio. James & Mary's first child was born 1880 in Michigan, the second & third 1882 & 84 in Ohio, the other 5 in Boyne Falls, Michigan; Charlevoix County. James was a Master Blacksmith and owned his shop Boyne Falls, he died October 14, 1922, in Troy Township, Clawson, Michigan; Oakland County. Mary A. (Coleman) Mitchell died about 1934 buried in Boyne Valley Township, Michigan cemetery. I have more information about them in Michigan if your interest. I'm trying to trace them back in Indiana, any help would be apperchiated. James reported on the census that his mother and father were also born in Indiana, that would take us back to the early 1800s in Indiana? I always assumed James's ansesters must have traveled down the Erie and across the fort trail into Indiana? However, I recently received some written information that the early Pioneers of Indiana traveled down the Ohio River? This may not have any bearing on your search, but when you named Mary Mitchell and Michigan area I thought I would respond. I been watching the Mitchell Listing mail for a long time with nothing much close to home. Please let me know, Good Luck, Richard Mitchell Great Grandson In a message dated 12/14/02 5:45:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, Carolquilting@webtv.net writes: << I am searing for information on a James E Mitchell. His wife's maiden name was Viola May Maxwell. His sister's name was Mary Elizabeth. Mary was either married to Morris Smith or they Just lived together,. Morris Smith died in Crockett Tx. I believe Mary Mitchell might be found around Coldwater Michigan or Battle Creek Michigan. Any help is greatly appreciated. Researching familes: Smith, Higgins, Mitchell and Winner >>