Hello Vermonters: I am trying to write a family history for my gkids. I have recently stumbled onto information that my second great grandfather, James Alford was born in 1799 in Colchester, VT. He married Almeda Chase, also of Colchester, and they later migrated to Ohio ( about 1825). A scrap of info indicates his trade as "ships carpenter", which puzzled me. Was there enough boat/ship building in that area to have tradesmen such as "ships carpenter"? If this is valid, I would like to make an assumption that he moved to OH to work on canal boats, as the timing is right. James's father is listed as Alexander Alford. I know nothing of him, but he does appear on the 1820 census in Chittenden Co. Colchester Twp. If anyone has any information on Alexander I would appreciate it. My goal is to find the immigrant Alford. It could be Alexander, or his father.....or his father. I know nothing of the Chase family either, and any information on them would be appreciated. I am interested in trying to write history of the times in areas where my ancestors lived, so if anyone can guide me to some sources of Colchester history, migration to the area, or anything that I can use to "flesh out" this story, I would appreciate that too. As you might notice, I am not a genealogist, but I have been bitten by the geny bug and the stories of my family roots have become a passion. Any and all help is gratefully received. Thank you, Phil Cartmille pcartmille@ohiohills.com