Greetings, I am a new member of this web server and would like to share the information regarding my family who resided at Cortland Co., NY in the 1830s-1850s: David Darling, b. 21 Oct 1761, Mendon, MA. marr (1) Eliz Goldwaite on 5 Feb 1784, Smithfield, RI. marr (2) Mercy Phillips abt 1791, Glocester, RI. They had eight children born in RI. Of these children the following removed to Cortland Co., NY with their parents David and Mercy Darling: Darius, b. 1793 settled at Virgil; Artemus, b. 1798 settled at Virgil and LaPeer; Stephen, b. 1807, resided Virgil (1835 census of Virgil) and went onto Calhoun Co., MI; David Jr., b. 20 May 1805. David Darling died and was buried in Cortland Co. According to the "Abstract of Graves of Rev. Patriots" by Patricia Law Hatcher, David Darling was buried at Virgil Cemetery, Cortland Co., NY and the grave was located by NSDAR in 1936 and accordingly a plaque was placed at this site. I would like to find the location of this grave. I have checked Online sources for cemeteries for Cortland Co., but could not locate this grave. Mercy is listed in the 1850 Census for Norwhich, Chenango Co., NY as a "widow." David Darling Jr. married to Polly/Mary Gates, b. abt 1806 in NYS - possibly at Virgil, Cortland Co., NY. Parentage unknown. They resided at Virgil, Cortland Co., NY in the 1830s. They had six daughters: Mary E., b. 1833; Mercy Ann b. 11 May 1835 at Virgil; Adelia; Olive G. d. 15 Jan 1852, Fairview, IA; Emmaline Lovinia b. abt 1841 marr Mr. Sipes and had a son George b. abt 1859; Amanda b. abt 1842. David Jr. migrated to Iowa abt 1850/52. He is not in the 1850 Census for Cortland Co., NY. He is in the 1852 Census for Fairview, Jones Co., IA. I believe that the daughters all went with David and Polly to Fairview, Jones Co., IA. I have extensive data on this family beginning with their settlement at Fairview, IA about 1850/52. Were there other families that migrated to Iowa from Cortland Co., NY at about this same time? Would someone know where the burial place of David Darling, Rev. War Patriot is located in Cortland Co.? I have a J. Gates who is buried next to Polly (Gates) Darling and her daughter Olive at the Norwich Cem., Fairview, IA. His information is: J. Gates 1777-1854 - they share the same plot. Anyone that may have information relating to the Gates family in Cortland Co., NY would be appreciated. I believe it may be Polly's father or mother. Thank you. Mark Allen at Niseilat@aol.com

<<Were there other families that migrated to Iowa from Cortland Co., NY at about this same time? >> Very interesting, Mark. Most of my info about Cortland Co. Van Hoesens comes from censuses, so I don't have exact dates for marriages or moves. But, Robert C. Van Hoesen, wife Electa had three children born in NY in c. 1846, 1847 and 1850. Sometime before the 1860 census they moved to Clarksville, Butler Co., IA. Their son, Albertus (1847) is my gggrandfather. Looks like Jones Co. IA is about four counties or so away from Butler. Patti

My BROOKS and BURR ancestors moved from Cortland County, NY to Franklin County, Iowa prior to 1860. Does anyone know what might have been happening in Cortland County to have caused this migration? -- Peace and Gentle Sunsets, Pam