Richard, thanks so much for the info on Wm. H. H. Cook. This is the closest thing to a lead I have had. I'll definitely check into that. About the town naming thing, our family legend, repeated in the Vrooman family info is that Eliza married a Cook, for whom Cook Co IL is named. Well, it didn't take much research to see that's not true. But here is the info from Palatine Il Website: "In 1850, Illinois enacted legislation directing each county to subdivide into townships of approximately six square miles. The leader of Township 42 met to choose a name and decided upon the name Palatine. It was suggested by Harrison Cook, formerly of Palatine Bridge, New York." An article in the newspaper there said it passed by only one vote. I'll let you knew if your tip turns into a find for me, thanks! Tracy ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com