Robert,

Thank you for your prompt response. I have the material on Lawrence and Dennis, both sons of the Edward and Mary that we are researching. The family was RC and did live in Howard Twp. in Kent. I have the 1861, 1871 and 1881 census for Edward and the 1891 etc. for Lawrence and Dennis as well as another brother Patrick. According to census records, Edward was born in Ireland 1820-1821. "The City and Farmers Directory for Kent Co. in 1880" lists Edward as living as freeholder on lot 12 (not 11) TLR (Town Line Ridge) Ridgetown p.o. His son Patrick, who was 24 at the time is also listed with the same 'address'. I, too, thought that they had lived on Lot 11 instead of 12, so I don't really know which is correct.

The death record that I believe to be 'our' Edward's is listed in the 'Ontario, Canada Deaths, 1869-1932' as #007631 and lists an Edward McDonald, date of death September ?(can't read the day) 1883. Age looks like 60 or 63. Born: Ireland, Occupation: Farmer; Religion: Roman Catholic. Cause of death Paralysis. It is interesting that all of this information was supplied 'by mail' and that his death as well as others on the page was recorded on the 7th of April 1884. Probably a common practice back then.

I have gone through all of the on-line cemetery records (I hope) and could find no other Edward McDonalds. I agree with you that St. Michael's Cemetery is the best bet followed perhaps by St. Anthony's in Chatham since his son Dennis is buried there and I believe that one or more of Edward's daughters may have become nuns.

I have also gone through the entire "The Commemorative Biographical Records of the County of Kent" and found no reference to Edward, Dennis, Lawrence or Patrick McDonald.
At the moment, I feel that I am at a dead end. Any ideas that you have Robert would be more than greatly appreciated! I have even tried contacting the Catholic Dioceses, but with no luck - all records appear to be somewhere unknown, although I find that hard to believe and will need to pursue this aspect further.

I really appreciate all that you did looking up that material. And again, if you or anyone has any ideas what I should do next, please let me know!

With warmest regards,
Sharon McDonald