My great grandfather Alanson W. (William?) Barnes is my brick wall. I have been researching this line for years and they are still a mystery. I hope to determine where he and his brother Edwin/Edward were born. At this point I only know that both were born in NY State. Alanson on 16 May 1834. His brother Edwin/Edward was born about 1832. I have no idea who their parents were, only that I have several records stating the brothers were born in NY State My earliest documented record is a marriage record for my great grandparents found in Steele Co MN. They married 13 October at Berlin, Steele Co MN in 1867. Alanson married Harriett (Hettie) Moore or possibly Briggs. The next documented record is the 1880 Federal Census in Owatonna, Steele Co MN. Alanson is listed as a farmer, with his family. This includes the brother Edwin/Edward who is listed as a farm laborer and shown as born in NY State. No family is listed for Edwin. I have found no other record of Edwin's existence. Alanson and Harriett's first 3 children, Alice b. 1871, Sintha b. 1872, Edwin A. b. 25 March 1874, were born somewhere in MO after their marriage. The next 3 children were born in Steele Co MN, Elmira b. 14 May 1876, Harriett (Hattie) b. 12 July 1878 John William born 18 Sept 1879 Family history has them returning to Oregon or Douglas County MO about 1883 with the following children born in MO. Pearl A. b. Oct 1883 Charles Franklin (my grandfather) b. 27 March 1885 Mittie b. 27 July 1888, Mae, b. abt. 1890 Daniel b. 31 Jul 1892. Alanson died 23 Sept 1909 and Harriett Feb. 1942. Both buried at the Redburn cemetery, community of Rover in Oregon Co MO. I would be most grateful for any suggestions on this line. Thank you. Gena Gates Lally

Regina, I will send you the census info privately. I think I've found something. Lanita