I have been reading this digest for some time and finally decided to post my brickwall in case someone can help. I am searching for the roots of Abner Davis THOMAS. I know he was born about 1825 somewhere in NY state. In censuses he lists his mother as being born in Connecticut and his father in NY. The first real mention I have of him is when he settled in Bowne Township, Kent County, Michigan in the 1840's. He married Laura Almena KENT in 1853 and they had 12 children. I have been able to locate them in censuses after their marriage date, but have no idea from whence he came, who his parents are, or if he had siblings. I do know that his children thought he was pretty nasty to the point where one of his daughters rubbed him out of a family photo. Can anybody help? Any Michigan THOMAS families that can provide a clue? Thanks. Laura Prescott Duffy Brookline, NH