Thank you Michael. It is nice to meet another Dear descendant. I have met you Aunt. Since my message post I have completed a book about George and Eliza and in it is a chapter on the Dears. I have sent copies to the State and National Libraries. Gail bought a copy too. Another distant relative also helped to proof the book. With the proceeds we have made enough money to put a headstone on Mary Dear's grave at Ma Ma Creek.

I know quite a lot about Reuben's branch of the family now. If you have the time a visit to the State Archives would probably unearth a lot more information about him and the Forbes Family. I have looked at a few files about him and the Beckwith's and I have posted some of it in my ancestry but there is so much to discover. Good luck with your research. If you uncover a photograph of Reuben do let me know. Happy New Year. Gary Smith.