Hi All, I have never had an opportunity to contribute to this list, only ask questions. But a year or so ago, a SIAS descendant and I had a brief exchange, and having now seen two SIAS references, both connecting with Danville, Caledonia, I'm sending this on. If inappropriate, I apologize in advance. I was recently reviewing some material and came upon an entry that someone may have interest in. The quotation comes from: Historic Encyclopedia of Illinois, edited by Newton Bateman, LL. D. and Paul Selby, A. M., Vol II, McHenry County Citizens, Munsell Publishing Co., 1903, Chicago, Ill. I believe this was a subscription history or something of that nature, so it should not be taken at face value. In fact, I have found several errors of fact in the book. Nevertheless, in most of the contents which I have reviewed, it is correct. "Newell S. Colby, farmer and stock-breeder, was born at Danville, Vt., Oct 13, 1826, and in 1840, when fourteen years of age, came with his father to McHenry. During the winter of 1841-2 he attended a school taught by Archelaus Sias in the north end of what was known as "Brown's Log-Cabin Tavern." This was the first public school ever taught in McHenry, although Elder Wheeler had taught a private boarding school at an previous date date. Sias was the son of a Methodist minister at Danville, Vt., and had come west with the family of Ira Colby for the purpose of selling the "Sias Improved Family Medicines" prepared by his father. The younger Sias sold these medicines to the pioneer settlers for some time, after which he engaged in the mercantile business at McHenry, but finally went, in company of Dr. Brown of McHenry, to California, where he died." Last year, in obtaining copies of some Colby-related documents from the Danville Town Office (very pleasant and helpful folks, by the way), I noticed they were signed by Archelaus Sias, Town Clerk, and dated 1836 and 1853. Perhaps this Archelaus was the father of the younger mentioned above? Would someone have been a Methodist minister and Town Clerk at the same time? Brian