You have done more research into the Hanby/Vance lines than I have so I've got a question for you. In your research have you found any connections between these families and a Biggs family or Gordon family? I have made some tenative, yet unproven connections based on census records for 1850-1870. In 1850 there was a James and Elizabeth Hanby that lived in Brighton Twp. with a (presumably) son named Cyrus Hanby. Also, in Rochester was a Hannah Biggs, b. 1831 In 1860 Cyrus is listed in Industry Twp. married to a Hannah, b. 1830, and living with Sarah J. Biggs, b. 1845. Also in Industry is a Josiah Biggs, b. 1836. Also listed in Industry is my 4th Great Grandfather, John Gordon, married to Margaret A. (Biggs), b. 1839. Listed with them is an Amy J. Briggs, b. 1841. In 1850, Margaret, Sarah, and Josiah are listed with John and Hannah Cotton with the Cotton surname. In 1870 Silas Hanby (I'm pretty sure this is the Cyrus from previous censuses) is married to Amy J. Hanby, b. 1841. I believe all these Biggs' (Hannah, Josiah, Margaret, Amy, and Sarah) to be children of George Biggs, who died between 1840 and 1850. They fit into George's 1840 census record, except for Hannah who may be related some other way. Also, John Gordon and his wife, Maragret A. (Biggs) Gordon purchased the exact plot of land that George owned at his death. I know that there is an Eliza Gordon, b. 1849, living with John and Rebecca Reed in the 1850 census - but don't know anything about her or if she is even related to "my" Gordon's. It's one thing I was hoping you might be able to clear up for me. Any help is appreciated.
Joel Amos Gordon