We have done some family geneology and this is what we have found out so far about the Urbain name: The name is from Lorraine, in Northern France and is Catholic. There are two family trees and there is evidence the were a wealthy family in a business that may have related to coal. In 1723 the was declared a noble family of France and were given a coat of arms. Lorraine was given to the former King of Poland as he was deposed in his country and his daughter was married to Louis XV. This was a temporary arrangement. During the French revolution there is a story that some members of the family fled to Belgium as they were monarchists and the story goes that revolutionaries were hot on their trail. They settled for a while in Southern Belgium (Mons). During the Empire, some of them returned to France. I believe it was the branch in Belgium that had 9 sons. In the late 1800's 2 of them emmigrated to the US. One settled in Southern Illinois where again the family was somehow linked to coal. This accounts for the large Urbain population in Southern Illinois and Iowa. The other branch (mine branch) remained in Chicago and were less numerous. Science, the arts, thick hair, longevity, and typical Northern French names (Walter, Francis, Joseph, Robert) are typical traits for the family. We are still in touch with very distant cousins in Belgium (one is a famous Minister/Senator). As I said this is just the "jist" of the story. If you can add anything please let me know. I would love to know more facts.