This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Rekput Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.stevens/38.49.1.1.1.1.2.2.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Charlie, you're very welcome. I enjoyed giving you a big nudge along in your research. Sometimes it just helps to have an outside person take a look at your research problems to break through. While I don't have the time to continue to dig out census data, etc, with what I've given you, I'm certain that you'll have a great time now finding those records and putting your family groups and tree together. If you run into a snag again on a point here or there, please give me a shout. If it's something I can try to find for you, I will. For now...I've given you your Stevens line back to ...what was it...the 4th great grandfather I think...I don't know if I counted....yes...Curtis, James, Edward and Edward. I do have some suggestions for you if you want to try to go back further. I suggest that if you can get to Spencer Co, KY, you could check land record purchases to see if there's a purchase by Edward Sr. which might indicate where he came from, or also look for another early Stephens purchase by another guy who could possibly be Edward Sr.'s father. Also, something that would be easier, would be to look for a possible probate for an early Stephens in Spencer Co...find out what you can from that....which might indicate wife's name and children...or sometimes sibblings and see if you can trace those back to New England...or wherever. I think I remember that Edward Sr. was from Maryland, wasn't he? I can't remember right now, but that's an excellent thing to know with such a common name. At least you're not looking at the entire US of the time period. I would also suggest that you check Monroe Co for probates for James M. (and wife) and his father Edward (and wife Elizabeth...since I think she outlived him). Those would probably give you a great insight into the family groups and who knows what else for info. Of course, you will want to get copies of the marriage records in Spencer and Monroe counties...and what birth records in Monroe county that exist. Again...best of luck to you and remember that I can sometimes take the time to do a lookup now and then or help you think about what you should do next for research projects. It's been fun! Julie Bissell Tupker Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.