Dear Martha et. al., In response to your question about William's divorce, there was none. Some correspondence explains that the time and expense of another trip back to Connecticut was too much, and he had two children to care for, Alonzo and Luzerne. One letter notes that Luzerne was still nursing when Abigail was given a horse and some money so she could leave the wilderness and return to Durham, CT. There was discussion of this relating to establishing a valid deed for the sale of property in Illinois. Ira, the son of William and his second "wife" was given a share, although it was not legally necessary because of the questionable status of the marriage. The property in question was obtained as the result of William's service during the War of 1812. Alonzo, William's son sold it to Alvan Smith and Louvisa, one of his daughters. The Illinois part of the family at one time refused to accept Abigail as a relative because she deserted her family! So.....You have quickly uncovered the skeleton in our closet!!! Best regards and thanks for the assist. I haven't got to look for Sgt John Strong as a possible family connection, but will do so as soon as I can. Ralph Strong