Dear Rich list members: My great grandfather, Edward Belden Rich was given his middle name in honor of his great Grandfather, Belden R. Rich, who was born in Middletown (Chatham), Connecticut, 13 Feb 1775 and died 17 Feb 1838 in Junius Township, Seneca County, New York. Belden must have been given his name to honor a relative, since it is a most unusual first name. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone with any BELDENs in their line to find out where this name came from. Also, I am always interested in comparing info with any other Riches who went "west" (to Michigan) in the mid 1800s. And thanks to Frank Rich Johnson for "waking up" the list. We needed that! -- Craig R. Rich crich@macatawa.org http://www.macatawa.org/~crich/ Genealogist, Listowner: MAYFLOWER-L and RICH-L mailing lists Check out the Rich Family Association web site at: http://www.richfamilyassociation.org And, for newcomers to the list, here's my Rich line: Richard Rich of Eastham on Cape Cod Thomas Rich John Rich James Rich Belden Rich Noah Rich Noah Rich Jr. Edward Belden Rich Charles Loase Rich Charles Edward Rich Craig Robert Rich