I found some papers that my aunt wrote several years ago - she is deceased and I can't ask her any questions - At one time she had our family traced [STEVENS / STEPHENS] traced by what she called a 'professional genealogist' This was several years ago, like 50 years ago. Then she burned it cuz she said no one was interested - I asked her "What was I, chopped liver?" Any way what I found was some writings found in her home after her death- Perhaps some of you can shed some light on what she is talking about- I can't make any progress with it - nor do I see a connection.. I think perhaps she was not remembering when she wrote this - "my great grandmother [she didn't say which one] was born to John PAINE'S brother - I do not have his first name. John PAINE was the states men from England whom was a important man of the 13 colonies and with General George WASHINGTON and other leaders won the war with England and established the language of our constitution. John PAINE returned to England and married, but his wife died in child birth as did the child. He brought his young brother back to the colonies before the Revolutionary war with England. John went to France to purchase boots and clothing for the officers and men of the early military in the new world. When the goods and uniforms arrived the agent in France charged three times the purchase cost - there was nothing to do but pay, we had no money to speak of so General George WASHINGTON paid for the shipment himself, they were needed. Now his brothers name just came to me, Thomas PAINE - my great grandmother was Thomas PAINES daughter- now one more generation - Thomas PAINE'S daughter married John ADAMS the s/o President John ADAMS- John ADAMS jr married [her name was Sarah].. I have a gr grand mother of hers - that I don't know her lineage - other wise I have 'em all through many years of searching - I have a lot of ADAMS' - and PAINE'S but am not doing so well in following her story line - Any one have any ideas? Thank you very much Wilma Fleming Haynes gencon@harborside.com