Happy New Years to all, I am a complete novice in research in the U.S., despite being an American! All of my ancestors came from the U.K. and I have become very familiar with what resources are available there. Until now, that is! I've just learned that one of my 3rd great grandfather's was born in the United States. According to the 1841 and 1851 Lancashire Census records, Hugh Shields, @ 1782, was born in the States. Unfortunately, no other details were given. I know that Hugh was in England by 1827, as he had a daughter born there. So, I began my search on Ancestry.com, for early census records. Pennsylvania seems to be the place with more Shields families than anywhere else. the 1800 Westmoreland census shows John Shields 2221-121-- Armstrong Township the 1810 Westmoreland census shows John Shields 5--1-2--1- Fairfield Township the 1820 Westmoreland census shows Hugh Shields 2--1-2-1-- Fairfield Township I don't see any Shields after 1820 in Westmoreland County. All of this seems to fit - the names and approx ages are good. But, now I'm stuck!! Are there records of births, marriages, etc. that go back to the 1700's? Is there any way I can find more details on the families listed above? Any help or advise on how to proceed would be much appreciated. Many thanks from a U.S. newbie. Sharon Sequim, Washington

Pennsylvania did not keep State/County records of births or marriages until way past your time frame. Church, land and will records are going to be your best bet. Another possibility is to look at UK ship arrival lists. Bob Warren Sharon <smorris9@msn.com> wrote: Happy New Years to all, I am a complete novice in research in the U.S., despite being an American! All of my ancestors came from the U.K. and I have become very familiar with what resources are available there. Until now, that is! I've just learned that one of my 3rd great grandfather's was born in the United States. According to the 1841 and 1851 Lancashire Census records, Hugh Shields, @ 1782, was born in the States. Unfortunately, no other details were given. I know that Hugh was in England by 1827, as he had a daughter born there. So, I began my search on Ancestry.com, for early census records. Pennsylvania seems to be the place with more Shields families than anywhere else. the 1800 Westmoreland census shows John Shields 2221-121-- Armstrong Township the 1810 Westmoreland census shows John Shields 5--1-2--1- Fairfield Township the 1820 Westmoreland census shows Hugh Shields 2--1-2-1-- Fairfield Township I don't see any Shields after 1820 in Westmoreland County. All of this seems to fit - the names and approx ages are good. But, now I'm stuck!! Are there records of births, marriages, etc. that go back to the 1700's? Is there any way I can find more details on the families listed above? Any help or advise on how to proceed would be much appreciated. Many thanks from a U.S. newbie. Sharon Sequim, Washington ==== PAWESTMO Mailing List ====