This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ZdB.2ACI/1016.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Thanks Nancy. The following note was on page 1035 of the book "History of the Juniata Valley" : The first member of this branch of the DAVIS family of whom there was a record is William DAVIS, born in Blair Co., PA. He was left an orphan at an early age and was brought to Penn Twp., Huntingdon Co., by his paternal aunt, Mrs. Jane GEISSINGER, who made the journey across the mountains on horseback to bring the child to her own home. He grew up at the GEISSINGER farm and at a suitable age learned the carpenter's trade, becoming an expert mechanic. After his marriage he located at Marklesburg, where he worked at his trade, later becoming a contractor, mamy buildings in that locality yet standing as mute witnesses of his industry and skill. After several years as a successful builder, his health failed, compelling a change of occupation. He purchased a farm in the neighborhood, spending the years 1870 to 1875 thereon, then retired to a home in Huntingdon, where he died in 1876. He was a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church." I am hoping that: Ithis was actually Jane BARRACK/BARRICK GEISSINGER, whose son-in-law, Dewalt Shontz FOUSE, was a first cousin of William's wife, Mary Ann MOYER.