This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: deded80 Surnames: Smith Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.washington/3516/mb.ashx Message Board Post: My family had 6 generations of Ralph Smith's--I can track back the first 3! They came and settled at the Smith Bottom area located between the towns of Clay and Clendenin, WV around the late 1700's-early 1800's. We believe they may have originated going even further back from the Washington County, PA area. (Per the general migration patterns at the time!) One story says that the original Ralph was an indentured servant, who ended up working for a Military Officer--The military officer sent him to this area to buy land for him. While here he purchased a large portion of property for himelf. (at lest 1500 acres) I think maybe Fort Pitt, PA might be where they officer was located out of. My grandfather and his brother had different storys that ended up to be very similar. Evidently a prior generation must have originated from Washington County, PA. Then eventually migrated to Harrison or Tyler County WV--the 2 countys at that time adjoined! And then moved their familys on Fl! at boats on the Ohio River to the Kanawha then up the Elk River to where they ended up settling. The last 3 generations of Ralph's had the middle name Thomas ---Ralph Thomas Smith. The prior generations may have done the same thing! My mother had researched my fathers Smith family tree 20 years ago and today I found scribbled on a piece of paper Lycoming County, PA. written on a peice of paper that had mostly her family tree on it but at the top had my Dad's Smith info. on it! So I almost missed it forever! If anyone has any info out there that may help me! Please Respond! 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.