With all the info I've gathered myself, along with info I've gotten from this list, it seems the farthest connection anyone has made is to: William West, b___ of Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, England, d. January 11, 1696, married to Elizabeth _______, d. August 6, 1684. Both were Quakers and buried at Meadle. has anyone been able to track back farther than this? Also, I've noticed that for the most part the West's throughout the generations were long lifers. It seems that many lived to be 70, 80, 90 years. I've always been under the impression that the populations of these past generations typically didn't make it to 40-50 years old. Or should we just assume that "if only the good die young, the West's will be the last to go"? :-) One other thing, with speaking with several West's online as well as with my own family, we share a lot of similar traits: very artistic & creative, West men are generally tall, and the loveable big sticky-outy ears. Do the other West's share these traits? have a good day & God Bless Terri