Claire - Thanks so much! I think you've put me on the right track. I didn't know about that book and am anxious to get it from interlibrary loan. Young James M's age seems to be a tricky subject as it varies over the decades of census. But in any case he must have been at least border line too young without permission. Your observations there are very interesting. Thanks again, you've been a big help. Best Regards -bob cfurth@earthlink.net wrote: > Bob, > The book "WATKINS The Lineage of the Children of James Martin > Watkins CSA and Martha Wise of South Carolina and Pike County, > Alabama" by Patsye H. Lucas, copyright 1998, lists Malinda Hawkins as > the first wife of James M. Watkins. Ms. Lucas states there were no > children of that marriage, but doesn't offer proof of either > statement. However, circumstantial evidence does support her > conclusion. > As I'm sure you know, there is a marriage record in Barbour > County for James M. and Malinda; legally, marriages had to occur in > the bride's county of residence. However, I find it interesting there > appears to be no parental consent for the marriage and James is > apparently underage, according to census dates. I have found parental > consent forms in Barbour County for all other under age marriages I > have researched. However, since James lived out of the county, his age > was probably unknown to the county clerk so he may have fibbed. > James is listed in his father's household in Covington County in > the 1850 census (no Malinda) but James' father clearly had ties in > Barbour County. > Have you searched for Malinda's tombstone under the name WATKINS > and HAWKINS? It was not unusual for young married women who died > without surviving children to be buried with their family and the > tombstone marked with their maiden name. Hope this helps. > Claire > > On Thu, 31 Aug 2000 19:30:47 -0700, you wrote: > > >I have a Malinda Hawkins who married a James M Watkins in Barbour Co. > >Jan. 1847. Trouble is, the only James M Watkins I can find would have > >been barely 17 years of age and should have been in Covington County at > >that time. Am trying to ascertain if this is the same James M Watkins > >who married Martha Wise in Barbour Co. in Jan 1856. Any clues > >appreciated. -bob > > ==== ALBARBOU Mailing List ==== > This is a closed list and only subscribers will be allowed to post. NO FLAMING, OBSCENE LANGUAGE OR DISRESPECT OF ANY KIND WILL BE TOLERATED. No virus postings will be allowed. Got a complaint then contact me not the list margie@majorinternet.com Good luck in your searches.