Hi All, I am looking information on two families that lived in Vienna, Oneida Cty, New York in 1850. They are proving to be elusive and although Cheney is a common enough surname, my branch seems to have started out of thin air. I have William W. Cheney, also spelled Cheeny, as a blacksmith in Vienna in 1850, age approx 39. (census was difficult to read) born in Vermont. His wife was Betsy Eckel, full name may have been Elizabeth, age 41, born New York. A woman lived with them age 75 by the name of Barsha?(same problem with census). She was also born in Vermont, and I assume she was William's mother. I cannot find who Barsha's parents were, husband were, when she died or where. William and Betsy had six children, Louisa (my ggggrandmother), George, Ephraim, William, Emiline, and Lorenzo. The family moved enmasse to Iowa after 1860. Any help about this family and their time in Vienna would be greatly appreciated. My other stumper family is the Lofft family. Edward Lofft, born England, circa 1793 and his wife, Hellen, born Ireland, circa 1810, moved to Vienna, New York between 1840 and 1850. They came to America between 1830 and 1835 however. Where they first lived I have no idea. They had four sons, Edward, Joseph, John and William, all born in England and all with occupations of boatmen on the 1850 census. Once in America they had four more children that I know of Francis age 15 on 1850 census and born in New York. She lived with the McConnell family. Charles, Robert, (my ggggrandfather), and Martha. Two of the Lofft boys married Louisa Cheney. First John, who died between 1860 and 1865, and then Robert who married Louisa, in Iowa, in 1865. Edward's (the father) occupation at this time was shoemaker. I would like to know what happened to the siblings in this family. I know that Joseph moved to Higginsville and then New London, but past that their lives are a mystery to me. If there are any relatives out there that would like to know Robert's fate and the rest of this branch of the tree, I would willingly share everything I have. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thank You in advance. Cindy Anderson cander@ execpc.com