Roy, Read your story about your ancestor who, according to family stories, was a drummer in a regiment at the Battle of Waterloo with great interest. I, too, have a similar story in my family about my great grandfather. He was supposed to have been a drummer in Napoleon's army. As they were retreating through Vilna, Poland, he went "over the hill". He was suposedly taken in by monks in a monestary and taught the occupation of forestry. His name was TABER, which does not fit in Russia/Poland. As I understand it, TABER originated in England and in the Battle of Hastings (1066) ended up in France. My dad was born in Vilna and considers himself Russian as it was in the Russian Empire at the time. I am having trouble tracing the name so far, but I am ever hopeful. All relatives in the US are deceased so it makes it harder. Enjoyed your recent postings to NEWGEN. Thanks your input. BTW, My husband's ancestors came from England in 1823 from North Cumberland Co. to Sterling, N. Y. The name is HEWITT. Trying to research that family also. Cheers, Phyllis in California