This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: phbadave Surnames: Shanks, CARY Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.linn/573.0.3.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Well, at least you know exactly where Noah Shanks went and where he lived in Oregon. As for pioneers: Some came west, left and went home to the midwest or east because they could not tolerate pioneer living, missed the old place and got homesick, or just could not deal with the sparse population. You'll have to do your own investigative work...the authority date is the date of the donation land claim ACT (law) and is not specific to that transaction. My relations CARY (also spelled as CAREY) and SPLAWN lived in the same region (same township). Noah Shanks signed off as a testamentary evidence on the donation land claim of many of my ancestors which is why I immediately recognize that name at that location and time frame. you will probably find at least ONE of your other relations coming west due to gold being discovered in both CA and OR and the moderate climate of Oregon, too. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.