Hi Becky, Thanks for the quick response. I do have some info on the Cardens and their relationship to the Abbotts. I show Thomas J. Abbott married Mary Carden and one of their children was a Jourden/Jordan Abbott b. ca 1828. However, my JJ Abbott was born in 1839 and died in 1869. Can't help but believe they were related, however. Unless Jordan was just a particularly popular name for two or three generations of Abbotts.... I just don't have anything that connects my JJ with anyone in particular. I would love to take a leap of faith, but realize I do need some sort of documentation. Guess I'll head to the Tallapoosa County Courthouse one day and see if I can dig up anything there. Think of me if you hear anything new. Thanks again, Laura