I am new to this list but subscribe to several NJ locality and surname lists. About the farthest back I have gotten in tracing this branch of my family is the marriage of Richard Rappleyea (Rapalje) to Ellsie (Alice, Aeltsie) Covenhoven (Conover, Couwenhoven), both of Somerset County on 24 May 1795 by Rev. Barclay. NJ militia census of 1793 shows a Richard Rappleyea, age 21, in Somerset County. The 1830 census shows Ellsie Rappleyea as head of household in Franklin Twp.,Somerset Co. I believe that Richard had died earlier that year. I believe they had children Mary Ann (b. 1803 m. 1822 to Nicholas Lefferts), possibly a daughter Mathilda, and a son Richard R. (born ca. 1815), from whom I am descended. Richard R. married Cornelia Anderson (.b.ca. 1820) This family was probably Reformed Dutch in religion, but that is just a guess. Any suggestions on cemeteries, churches, or other places to contact for more information, books or microfilms to request from libraries, is appreciated. I live near Chicago so I cannot visit the places in person. Mary Hobein (mhobein@hotmail.com) Woodridge, IL, USA ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com