Hello, June, Jill, Mary and other new friends, Wow, June, John McDonald is a great grandfather to you1 And he is also a great grandfather to Jan's husband, Doug Donley. This makes you and Doug second cousins. I think Jan and Doug will be fascinated to know that. Which of John McDonald's offspring do you descend from? Thank you for the information that you have sent. One thing confuses me very much. Are you sure that the death date of Annie's mother is correct? Could it possibly be 1888, instead of 1898? I suppose the first wife didn't die and then he immediately married another Annie? Little Annie was living with her grandparents when she was only 4 years old. Possible, of course, but not what I would have expected. Jill, June and Mary, you have brought up some other family groups which are good finds. I think that they must be related. And I think that we will figure out how. Jill, I think it would be a good chance that the Alexander Beaton you mention is John Beaton's father and Annie's paternal grandfather. Annie told Jan that she had a half sibling or step sibling (or just a sibling?) who accidentally hung himself or herself while playing in the barn. Does anyone here know anything about that? Another question, all. What is "the Ross of Mull"? That is a term I am not familiar with. Unfortunately, I won't see Jan this week, but I'll see her the Wednesday after. I am anxious to show her the new treasures. In friendship, Jean searcher3@mindspring.com Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.