I'm curious to know, if you have any idea, how researchers "pieced together", the family of Peter Arney? I know, Peter Arney was in the "Cumberland area" between Kentucky and Tennessee, around 1799. Though he "supposedly" had children still being born in Virgina, while he was in Tennessee. My "best genealogical guess" is, his Wife, Margaret (maiden name/surname, unknown), remained in Virginia, while he cleared land and built them a home.  Perhaps returning to Virginia, during the Winter months. Since the 1865 Overton County Courthouse fire, would have destroyed many records (birth/marriage/death, land deals, etc).  How did those researchers (in the 1950's) piece together who Peter Arney's children were? Was the "family tree" shared with them verbally?  Was it possibly written down somewhere? We know, that our Arney Ancestors, were buried on Arney land (probably areas designated for burials), however the majority of graves were marked with simply metal crosses painted white. We know, that Peter Arney left no "official Will", which may of noted his Wife and children. We know, he left his land and property, to only 3 children, Henry, Hiram, & Matthew, which gives us, at least the names of 3 of his children. So, how did early researchers "piece together" the children of Peter Arney? After all, Peter Arney, was born in Tryon County, North Carolina (which later became Lincoln County, NC) In October 1787, Lincoln County, North Carolina, Court of Pleas & Quarters, bound Peter Arney, age 15, orphaned son of Jacob Arney, deceased, to John Fullenwider/Fulenwider, to learn the trade of a Miller, until the age of 21 (1793). The only marriage of a Peter Arney, in Wythe County, Virginia was in 1827, Peter Arney married Catherine Fox.  This Peter Arney, was the son of Sebastian Arney, not our Peter Arney. I guess what I'm asking you is, when you researched this family, did you start from "scratch" or did you use a family tree or information, passed on to you? Thank you, for your time, consideration, and cooperation, I truly appreciate it. Sincerely, Stan Arney Wichita, KS [email protected] [email protected]