The following people, institutions and organizations have my utmost appreciation and praises for all of the help they have given me, the contributions they have made to the information base here, and to genealogy in general.

Giles E. Hopkins (Uncle Giles): Uncle Giles nurtured my interest in history and genealogy both while he was alive, and after his death. He worked hard recording and researching our history and family tree. He left behind many copies of his writings so that future generations could benefit from reading them. In many ways, without him, this web site would not be here.

Ben Marshall: Ben Marshall worked at the Eastham Public Library, in Eastham, Massachusetts. Ben gave me good sage advice several times along my journey. He could often be found in the genealogy and local history stacks of that library. He even took me down to the vault in the basement where the Revolutionary War muster rolls and other treasures were kept.

Bonnie Snow: Bonnie is the Historian for the Orleans Historical Society. She has selflessly given of herself to that organization. She has treated me as the warmest of friends by inviting me into her home, photocopying items she thinks would be of interest to me, and even touring the town of Orleans, Massachusetts with me to show me where things were.

Orleans Town Clerk's Office: Through the years they have been more than tolerant of my requests for information. When I wasn't even sure of what I was looking for, they were indulgent by providing me a table, chair, access to old record books, and all the time I needed to read through them. All I can say is that if all bureaucratic offices were like their's, this world would be a more beautiful place. Please don't ever change.

Dorothy Downs Kucks: Dorothy compiled a genealogy that recorded all of the descendants of Thomas Downs. She maintained it and shared it with the various branches of the family. A noble effort, and my source for some of the marriage dates and names for in-laws of the Downs family.

Jane Kucks: Cousin Jane has picked up the project that Dorothy started (see above). As time marches on and the family grows, this project can only become more daunting. Hats off to you Jane.

Snow Library: Snow Library is the public library in Orleans, Massachusetts. I can remember many a day spent there among the stacks. The staff has always been more than friendly and helpful. They have made special, and sometimes rare, collections available to me. I owe you guys a couple of decades worth of thanks.

Mayflower Society Library: This gem is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where else? They too have been more than helpful and indulgent. I've spent many a day there too.

Orleans Historical Society: They have allowed me to photograph artifacts and provided me with much information and clarification. Thanks too, for permission to reproduce the photo of Isaac Snow on this web site. They are across the street from the town offices in Orleans, Massachusetts.

Eastham Public Library: They have not only been helpful and friendly, they have been a staple of my research. In a way, I feel like a part of the family when I'm there.

Elmer Hopkins: Elmer began the genealogy that Uncle Giles picked up and continued.

Sturgis Library: The Sturgis Library is located in Barnstable, Massachusetts. This is a great place to go to do Cape Cod family research.

Probably my biggest debt is to those close to me. My thanks to Carina Marzec for all her help in proofreading my copy and giving me honest and unsugar-coated critiques.

Thank you to Jen Otter for her help that spanned many different areas including photography, photo editing and proofreading copy.

And special thanks to my wife Valerie Downs, who has always been available to proofread, give opinions, and especially inspire me. She has been with me at every turn whether it was at some library, hall of records, or traipsing through some old cemetery in the rain.

Contact Information: