Mysty, Is there a reason why land was purchased in 40 acre plots in AR? Why would Thomas Jefferson buy 2 40 acre plots instead of one 80 acre plot? I seem to recall a reason for this but it escapes me. Also, Thomas uses his middle initial of J., sometimes, but at other times he uses no initial. I don't find him in Rutherford Co., NC as using his middle initial. I also haven't found any record of him owning property in Rutherford Co., NC even though he held office in that state. When did the law change for having to own property to vote? I know that many of the records for Iredell Co. were burned - another burned county. I get all the luck. Two burned counties - what are the odds of your ancestors ending up in two burned counties? B)