Lisa,
You are incredible. Sorry I am just getting back to you. To be honest, I just didn't realize you had written back. (Don't ask why because I cannot tell you.) Thank you so much for all of this. I appreciate it so much.

You said I could ask so here it goes: Can you find Berry Lewis beyond 1881? I have tried and cannot. I cannot figure out why they just seemed to disappear.

Also, what do you know about the "NEW CANAAN" settlemen? My ancestors there were: Daniel Smith and wife plus 5 possibly 7 children. He was there in the 1850s (I think). I know he died in 1892. He was born in KY (I think). Thank you so much, Lisa. You're the best. Margaret

: Margaret;

: Sorry for the long delay... was out of town over the weekend.
: Here's what I was able to find about your McCurdy-Lewis folk:
: 1861 Ontario Census, Essex Co., Colchester, pg 24

: LEWIS, Barry 45, b. VA, farmer, religion Church of England, black
: ... Lucy 38, b. VA, same religion and race (same for all their
: kids)
: ... Josephing 19
: ... John W. 16
: ... Mary Jane 14
: ... James 12
: ... George A. 10
: ... Charles H. 8
: ... Nancy 6
: ... Lucy Marie 3
: ... Robert 1
: ALSO living with them, BUNDY, Adam, 9, b. CW (Canada West), black

: By 1881, Berry and Lucy were still living in Colchester with their
: kids, though there were additional children by then.
: ..................

: 1861 Ontario Census, Essex Co., Colchester, pg 38

: McCURDY, Wm 41, b. USA, farmer, religion = none, mulatto
: ... Wm, Mrs. 37 (same birthplace, religion, race, as are the kids)
: ... Alvin 16
: ... Sarah 14
: ... Mary 12
: ... Wm. H. 10
: ... Rachael 8
: ... Manerva 6
: ... Margaret 3

: By 1881, the family was still living in Colchester, but there were
: additional children born by then. Children in the home with
: William and Mary McCurdy: Alice 22, Delipha 17, Joseph 15, and
: Georgia 13.

: Alvin was married by then, to a woman named Arty, and they lived
: nearby with their 5 children.

: Same goes for William (married, living nearby with his family).

: ..........
: It's somewhat surprising, however, that there are no Lewises or
: McCurdys listed in Essex County in the Ontario Cemetery Finding
: Aid. Not quite sure why ...

: I hope this helps. If I can provide any additional information, you
: have but to ask, my dear.

: Good luck.

: - Lisa B. Lee
: Oakland, CA