Vee, Several things of note in your last message - I have learned again! (thank you!) 1) Those who went to Canada did not do so to "escape" the War of 1812. They may have simply "gone there" (in this case from VT)... "just because"! Then when the war looked imminent... they might have been drafted "there" by the British! Ah ha! So it makes sense that my Nathan Pratt, from Rev War, would not want that... and would come into the US - either back to VT.. or in my case... down into Niagara Co, NY ok... I can visualize that.. thanks for the scenario. 2) As for ages... I have conflicting information on the birthdate for Nathan Pratt. Looks to be ca 1761-1765. In the 1850 MI census, he shows as "age 85". DAR records vary and nara doesn't have his military records.. have to go to state of VT for them. So for 1812 - 1815 - looks like he would have been 47-50 yrs old? Still "works" for when children were born, etc.. although I now question the "place" on a couple of them... Now that I think about it, there were folks "earlier" in time... who "served" in "train bands" / local militia and held titles like captain or lieut and they were certainly not all "young" men! Guess it really came down to "able-bodied" and "able to protect" in villages and towns...not serve if in your 20s.... 3) Fascinating information on the "closeness" of Canada and Youngstown! Someday I am going to go missing and folks are going to find me buried under a slew of maps! Need to look at them again... VT, Canada, western NY... and how it fits together.... 4) Other maps... on the list to get the set for 1860. You are right.. I heard it here and I am anxious to see them! (who needs the lottery? just send maps with lot numbers and names on them!) 5) I've also learned now about recognizing fraternal organizations... abbreviations in this case. There was a lodge name and number... followed by F & A M. This is the Masons, not the Odd Fellows. Got it. Thanks. 6) HOSMER family? Yes. Have just sent a separate e:mail on that family. So, family informaton - geographic information - migration information - ages for being in the military - fraternal organization information - a "lot"!!! Once again, thank you. debbie CAhobbies@aol.com (ate jelly beans too...)