Hi everyone, thanks for all the ideas and suggestions! My couple (Mathew and Elizabeth Summerville/Sommerville) were about 25 when the land was purchased, and Mathew seemed to be an upstanding citizen, as I have found records that he was granted guardianship over a child during that time. Mathew was later taken by the Union army, held in prison, where he died. He is buried at Jefferson Barracks. In all the records he is listed as "citizen from Lawrence County". At the time of his death, in 1864, he was 39. Age and frailty doesn't *seem* to be a reason not to own land, but.... Please keep throwing out suggestions, I welcome things to keep my brain going. Thanks! :) Shantell Ford ________________________________________________________________ Speed up your surfing with Juno SpeedBand. Now includes pop-up blocker! Only $14.95/ month - visit http://www.juno.com/surf to sign up today!