This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ROACH, LOFTUS, FITZPATRICK, BLACKALL, O'DEA Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/RRB.2ACE/7528.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Susan, In the 1850 census for Dayton, Cattaraugus, New York, your O'Dea family was living next door to my husband's great-great-grandfather, Patrick Roach and his wife, Catherine Loftus. I've always wondered if they came over from Ireland together because there is a group of people living close together who seem to remain in contact for the duration of Patrick's life. Catherine Loftus' sister, Margaret, married a James O'Day and I've suspected a connection to Michael but have not yet been able to prove it. Margaret and James ended up in Chicago. Their son, Henry "Hank" O'Day, became a professional baseball player, and later umpire, and umpired the very first World Series ever. What specifically are you looking for regarding your O'Dea family? I will keep my eyes open and if I find anything I will contact you. Nancy