Hi Steve-- I'm not Phoebe but she and I have already corresponded a bit on this subject. I am so very interested in the Bradners in Orange Co. during this time frame. Did your research happen to turn up anything on a Bradner and VAIL connection? I am looking for one, since my 2nd great-grandfather was Benoni BRADNER VAIL, who was born in 1801 in the Town of Minisink, Orange Co., NY, married Fanny ARMSTRONG in 1826 and died in Susquehanna Co., PA in 1869. I feel very strongly that he was related, one way or another, to the John BRADNER who was the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Goshen. The reason I feel this is so, in addition to the middle name, is that a cousin, now deceased, of my dad's compiled all kinds of information on our family and in this compilation she included a story of ancestors meeting in Scotland and eloping to America, essentially the same story as John Bradner and Christian Colville. The main other surnames that are connected with my VAILS are Meeker, Dunning, and Conkling. Also, according to a letter I have of a great aunt, written in the late 1800s, ". . . the Vails were connected to the MILLS and COTTONs". Perhaps that is a clue--although I've not figured it out yet! So, if you can help with this mystery, I sure would appreciate it! Regards to you, Marilyn Hough Stern, writing to you tonight from a warm Austin, TX. In a message dated 6/8/99 5:28:02 PM Central Daylight Time, techies@ibm.net writes: > Phoebe, > > Interesting reference to Elizabeth Bradner. I have some info on her since > it was long thought that she was the wife of my ancestor Major James Sawyer > of Goshen, NY. Later research showed she was actually wife of John > Stewart. My papers indicate her father was Rev. John Bradner (first rev. > of the local Presbyterian Church). She had a sister Colville born ca. > 1722-25. The source cited is "Descendents of Rev. John Bradner" by Frank > W. Bradner. Elizabeth is shown as the 8th and youngest child of Rev > Bradner and Christian Colville of Orange Co. NY. It also lists the 8 > children born to Elizabeth and John Stewart (or Steward), which you > probably already have. > > Steve > > >