I am researching my mothers side of the family, her maiden name was MORFORD. Specifically, I am searching for the descendants of Garret Morford Sr. and his brother William Lane Morford Sr.

Both were born in Monmouth County, New Jersey and migrated to Michigan via New York arriving in Hillsdale County in June of 1835.

Both received government grants for land in 1837 as a result of their military service in the War of 1812.

Garret Sr. settled in Moscow in Hillsdale County and remained there until his death.

William Lane Sr. decided to move westward into Banfield in Southern Barry County about 1855. Before his death he donated the land that the Banfield Cemetery in Barry County is located on to the community for that purpose. There are 67 relatives and their spouses buried there to date, and it is still in use today.

With Michigan officially becoming a state in March of 1837, both branches should be considered true Pioneer families in Michigan.

Both were prominent citizens in their respective communities.

I started searching for descendants of these brothers in 2002. All I had to work with was a little information from my aunts and cousins, as beyond that even they knew very little at that time.

To date I have identified over 5000 direct descendants, covering ten generations, of these two early Michigan Pioneers.

I am trying to obtain photos of grave markers and obituaries for any descendant of these two individuals.

I have created virtual cemeteries for this purpose for the photos.

If you have an obit for one of these individuals you can provide, please don't hesitate to scan and email it to me to add to my archives to preserve the family history.

A special thanks goes to all those who have taken the time to provide photos, not just for me but for anyone here, your efforts are always appreciated.

And finally, I am always looking to connect with any relatives, so if you come across this site, and there is a possible connection, please don't hesitate to contact me.

There is a closed family genealogy Facebook page we have where relatives from all over the world share. If you are a relative please search for Morfords Then and Now on Facebook or email me and I can send along a request.

I am researching my mothers side of the family, her maiden name was MORFORD. Specifically, I am searching for the descendants of Garret Morford Sr. and his brother William Lane Morford Sr.

Both were born in Monmouth County, New Jersey and migrated to Michigan via New York arriving in Hillsdale County in June of 1835.

Both received government grants for land in 1837 as a result of their military service in the War of 1812.

Garret Sr. settled in Moscow in Hillsdale County and remained there until his death.

William Lane Sr. decided to move westward into Banfield in Southern Barry County about 1855. Before his death he donated the land that the Banfield Cemetery in Barry County is located on to the community for that purpose. There are 67 relatives and their spouses buried there to date, and it is still in use today.

With Michigan officially becoming a state in March of 1837, both branches should be considered true Pioneer families in Michigan.

Both were prominent citizens in their respective communities.

I started searching for descendants of these brothers in 2002. All I had to work with was a little information from my aunts and cousins, as beyond that even they knew very little at that time.

To date I have identified over 5000 direct descendants, covering ten generations, of these two early Michigan Pioneers.

I am trying to obtain photos of grave markers and obituaries for any descendant of these two individuals.

I have created virtual cemeteries for this purpose for the photos.

If you have an obit for one of these individuals you can provide, please don't hesitate to scan and email it to me to add to my archives to preserve the family history.

A special thanks goes to all those who have taken the time to provide photos, not just for me but for anyone here, your efforts are always appreciated.

And finally, I am always looking to connect with any relatives, so if you come across this site, and there is a possible connection, please don't hesitate to contact me.

There is a closed family genealogy Facebook page we have where relatives from all over the world share. If you are a relative please search for Morfords Then and Now on Facebook or email me and I can send along a request.