This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/XV.2ADI/217.2 Message Board Post: Here's what I have on the Bests of Ouachita County AR. The 1888 federal lands list includes John R. Best and Lewis J. Best receiving 80 acres in Redland Township (11S) in Ouachita County AR (which lies on the county border with Nevada County and is near the border of Clark County; this community is also often called the Carouse or Terre Rouge Creek area). Isaac Best (b: 1774 PA) was in Garrard County KY & Madison County KY prior to Montgomery County MO. He planned to go to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austin's original colony in about the late 1820s. On his way, he stopped in Hempstead County AR (Rocky Mound & Hope areas) & stayed for almost ten years before going on to Texas, where he died in Austin in 1837. His daughter Polly Best married Captain James Cantley in MO & their daughter Sarah Best married William Cantley in Franklin County MO. There were lots of Bests also connected with the Cantleys of Clark County AR, including Rebecca Best marrying Samuel Cantley. There were Coxes in my family line living in Redland Township at this time that may include the Coxes you show as married to your Effie Best & Oscar Best, although I do not recognize the names W. A. Cox or Melzena Cox of the later 1800s period.