Does anyone know why there was such an exodus to ILL /IA in the 1850 - 1860 time frame? WAS it fear of war and they came west to hopefully escape it.? I can not find any major event to cause such a move. These people served bravely in the new states but I can for the life of me yet figure what created such a move. Blessings and appreciate any thoughts on subject. SusiCP Family Historian It's the Indian in me.....:>)