Just thought that I would spread these sites around. It may make it easier to understand why so many people passed over at the same time in our charts. Genealogy Tip of the Day Monday November 13, 2000 Epidemics Major epidemics have occurred throughout history and killed large numbers of people. Perhaps in the course of your research you have noted that a number of your ancestors or family members died at the same time but you didn't know why. One reason may have been the outbreak of some epidemic. One Web site at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/7241/epidemic.html presents a table of epidemics in the U.S. from 1628-1918. Another great site is located at http://www.botany.duke.edu/microbe/chrono.htm and includes textual descriptions concerning all major epidemics worldwide from 480 B.C. to 1957-58. Hope someone can use this info. Sheila