Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for contacting me. In a nutshell, our first US Edwards family, Thomas, came from Wales to New York and New Jersey in the late 1600's and lived there through the late 1700's. Abraham, the 6th generation, was in the War of 1812 and became prominent in the founding of Detroit and opening up of western Michigan. Abram, his GS, was an early merchant in Chicago. The last 2-3 generations, including my mother Helen (Edwards) Busey stayed in various locations in IL, IN, and Ohio. Any connection?

We also have direct lines back to two Mayflower passengers and at least four Rev. War soldiers. It's been a fascinating trip digging out and confirming all these interesting folks.

Hugh

Jennifer, have you looked in North Texas for your Hardin family members? There is a Hardin St. in McKinney, Texas, county seat of Collin County, and I suspect it was named for the Hardin family. The migration path for many settlers in the states that are now part of the Deep South left either before or after the Civil War and settled first in north Texas. Some counties to check (other than Collin) are Grayson, Cooke, and Wise. I have one of thse so-called brick wall families in MS - the Gibsons.