Ms. Meyers, I noticed your posting of 03 Sep 2000 on the cgi website and wanted to contact you with information that I have and, of course petition for your help. Specifically, I have been researching the same line to the following extent:

1. The Savanna, IL, Census of 1860 reflects Francois, Elizabeth, Adaline (female)and Adolph (male). As the census doesn't identify relationships, I also believe (hope) that Francois and Elizabeth are the parents.

2. The Savanna Census of 1870 shows at least three "Bova" families: Francis and Elizabeth; Adolph who married a Sarah Debins (she is shown on the 1860 Census as a servant within the household of Mr. M. Duprius a lumber dealer) with children Adolph (age 8), Thomas (age 4) and Joseph (age 2)

3. We think that we have found the grave of Elizabeth in Savanna, it is in the right lot and place but the headstone is almost beyond recognition. We also saw a funeral homes' listing that notes Francois was buried in the same cemetery location unknown.

4. Between 1870 and 1880 Adolph and Sarah "Bouva" (one of four "Bouva" families on the Whiteside County 1880 Census)relocated to Fulton, IL and the family included Adolph and Sarah, Adolph (age 14), Thomas (age 13), Joseph (age 12), Josephine (age 10), Mary (age 9), Jeanette (age 5), Berta (age 3) and David (age 1).

5. Thomas R "Bouvias" married Clara Leveque (born in Aurora) on 28 Nov 1890. To them one child was born in Chicago, George Adolph Beauvais, and a second Ruell Eugene Beauvais in Fulton, IL. I have no idea where or when Thomas died or was buried However, Clara Beauvais went to die of consumption at her sister's home (Mrs. Denault)and was buried in the Leveque family plot in Aurora's "Old French Cemetery" on the Fox River.

6. George and Ruell entered an orphanage in Freeport, IL, at ages approximately 5 and 3 respectively. George died there and Ruell is my grandfather.

My problems are twofold: Because my grandfather was an orphaned we have no family pictures, limited traditions, and even less knowledge. The above information was researched through a couple of vacation in Whiteside and Carroll Counties. Everybody before my grandfather was born in Canada according to census information and I have no idea how to move to the next level. Anything/any ideas that you might have would be appreciated. There a lots of other Beauvais names that have active parts in this, and that you have interest in Francois and Elizabeth leads me hope that you could point me in a productive direction. Second problem is that I live in Central Florida which makes Midwest research particularly difficult. I look forward to hearing from you, Sincerely, Gene Beauvais