This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SRB.2ACE/12056.1.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Thanks H, If you can think of the John Stafford prison reference, please let me know. I have been trying to trace the descendants of three families in western NY and since vital records on many of them is wanting, it has been a challenge. I am using a process-of-elimination to try and find the names that fit. I am most interested in the descendants of Rowland Stafford (1765-1844), of Samuel Hilliker (c1765-aft1840), and of William Harrington (1745-1820). All of them had children that lived in Erie Co, NY and some in Chautauqua Co, NY in later years. Your listing of both the Stafford and Harrington names piqued my interest. Regarding Abel Stafford, I am still a little confused regarding his forbears. Do you believe that he is a son of John Stafford as Mike has him or could he be from another line? Are you aware of the will that exists for the Ellington John Stafford at the Erie County Courthouse in PA? As for the Harrington family, do you have an idea of Viola Harrington's ancestry? William Harrington had ten children according to his Rev. War pension application. I believe I know the names of five of them and I am trying to get the rest. There are a number of Harrington's in western NY in the early years. Some might belong to this William or may be from allied lines. Rob