Lisa - When we started more than 15 years ago a librarian from a nearby LDS library gave me some help and ever since then I have been occasionally attempting to repay that debt - New Years seems like a good time to try it again. You mention census - and someone already pointed out a possible name variation - very important consideration. Somewhere near you there is Family History Library - I think usually listed that way in the telephone directory. Or try the nearest Church of the Latter Day Saints - LDS/Mormons. The FHL is usually in that church building. They have probably the most extensive genealogical holdings in the world. They are no more accurate then any other source of copied reworked material. Keep in mind that Dauphin County was not formed until 1785 - The Pennsylvania Archives are an excellent source of very early tax, military, deeds and even a few marriage licenses. But they are difficult to find and more than difficult to use. They are to be found in large public libraries in several states. If they owned land the County Recorder at the courthouse will have a record of purchase (grantee) and sale (grantor). Land deeds are a very important source of information for any ancestor who owned land. Title information is difficult to research and understand but it is a must do. Address County Recorder, Courthouse, Harrisburg, PA 17101, tel was 717-255-1352. Even if a land owner left no will the names of his surviving children, sometimes their location and their spouses name and the first name of his widow will be found when the transfer of his property is recorded. Keep in mind that this may not not be until years after his death, after the widow dies If he left a will it will be at the Prothonotary - same address. To find these courthouse records you must first find the index. If you send the index information, a check, an SAE, to the county recorder or the Prothonotary they will make a copy and send it to you. They are not required and usually will no longer do research or look ups - although in some courthouses this courtesy still prevails. I know of a source in Salt Lake City that will look up such indexes but there is a charge and I will not advertise for them - The Ohio Geneological Society and its state chapters have done a wonderful job of listing the information found on almost all of the cemeteries in Ohio - and most chapters have indexes of wills, marriages and early death records - but I know of no such source in Pennsylvania - I am sorry to say. It seems that this grand old state is way behind the younger state of Ohio. The rootsweb is a great resource. Be sure and use a title that will attract attention and give any dates and facts you know - the more you tell the more likely you will learn something - and above all go to your living ancestors and their siblings and ask every question you can as to how they lived and who their parents were - and be sure and ask about their religion, politics, and where did they think they came from. And do it now. I am working the Mater family -- Hill Lutheran Church, Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Mater, John, s. of Jacob Mater, b. July 1, 1762; baptized July 4, 1762; witnesses, John Mater and wife. From Egle's Notes and Queries, page 48. Records of Baptisms XIV. I found that on Ancestor.com which requires a membership fee and sells such information on CD's. Family Tree Maker, Broderbund offers a free search oftheir files for surnames but then you must usually purchase their CD's. There are many similar sources and they are expensive and not entirely satisfactory.Perhaps some other Dauphin/Lebanon/Lancaster researchers will post their sources. It could be that George Mater, born abt 1796-1800 died in East Pennsboro, Cumberland County in 1848 is a descendant of this Mater family. I know about this George through the kindness of the Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 North Pitt Street. PO Box 626, Carlisle, PA 17013. They do who have volunteer researchers who will do limited research on a specific question. I suggest a contribution over and above copy and mailing costs. I do not know of such a source in Dauphin/Lebanon/Lancaster County. Some lists do not like to stray to far from genealogical data and I hope I have not offended someone who could not find the delete button - Happy New Year Lisa and good luck Regards Hal

Hi Lisa, If you join the Huron or Ashland OH mailing list I think you will find more info on your Mater family. I have Motter's which were Mater's (Matter's) that are probably related to your family one way or another. I've received wonderful info about them, but mine don't start for my relationships till the mid 1800's. I have info before that, but not sure if they are the same people you are looking for. Post your message to those lists, and I think you will get allot of returns. Myrna Singer Casey mybill@msn.com http://www.my-ged.com/singer/ Researching the following: Singer, PA & OH, Underhill, Samsel, Miller, Sturtevant, Fox, Livenspire, Day, May, Swineford, Motter, Bentz, Richard, Mehl, in Ashland/Richland, Ohio; Gristy, McIntosh, Saigaman, Dunn, in Kentucky; Bloxham, PA, Personette, Houchins, IN & MN, Hobbs,WV, McDonald, McClellan, Paranto, Webb, Casey in WA