Dawn, I'm interested in the Kane Co. IL connection. It's a possibility. My ggfather, John Phelan (b. Ire abt 1836-7) married Kate McGrath (m13JAN1866) in Quincy, IL. They had five children and lived in Keokuk, Iowa. John drowned (d27JUN1877) while fishing on the Mississippi at age 40. I found an entry in the 1865? (can't find my exact ref right now) Quincy census for a John Phelan, but it showed no other Phelans. I'm trying to connect him to a Phelan family, and IL is probable. Wondering how he got to Quincy. There weren't many McGraths listed either, but I know they had a Irish Catholic church there at the time. Also Robert and Francis are important names in the family. Any ideas? Thanks, Patricia Phelan Dailey HASBENN@aol.com wrote: > Rene', I have a Thomas, but the time frames don't match up. Darn it. I'm > thinking these Phelans came over somewhere around between 1830 when Robert > Phelan was born in Ireland, and 1864 when THOMAS FRANCIS PHELAN was born in > Illinois. Wish I could help. By the way, my middle name is Renee. >