Dear David, (and anybody else who's interested) Here's what I know about Mary Barber and Thomas J. Smith. First, a little background. I am searching for the parents of my great-great grandfather, Littleton Barber. He was married in around 1841-43 in Columbia County to Mary Anne Johnson. I suspect that she may have died shortly after childbirth, although I can't find proof. He remarried around 1847 to Mary Massengale Patman in Commerce, Ga. I think that Mary Barber may have been Littleton's sister, but need to find proof. Littleton Barber was the executor of the estate of George Wade Barber. George Wade's widow was named Frances Winburn Barber. In the 1850 Columbia County census Mary Barber was listed as 27 yr. old, wife of Thomas Smith.(she would've been married shortly before that) Living in the household with them was Elizabeth Barber, probably the daughter of George Wade Barber. In the same county a 3 year old child named Mary Barber was staying with Frances Winburn Barber. I think that she may have been the daughter of Littleton. Mary Barber Smith and Thomas Smith moved to Mt. Vernon, Georgia. A child Mary Barber moved with them.(right age for the child Mary who had been living with Frances Barber) Thomas Smith asked for education money for Mary Barber, the child. Mary Barber Smith died in 1890. Thmas J. Smith died in 1897. They are buried in the graveyard next to the courthouse. My dad has the certificate of marriage and pictures of the graves. A lady from Valdosta named Ola Barber wrote us and told us the stories told in her family. She said that Mary Barber Smith was Littleton's sister. She also told us that Littleton was the cousin of Thomas Holden Barber, son of Holden Barber of Burke County. Thomas Holden told his family that he helped his cousin Littleton "steal" his bride Mary Massengale Patman. Littleton's daughter Virginia Barber married a Nathaniel Truitt and was listed in a Barber family bible page, along with George Wade, Holden Barber and some others. Littleton was not listed in that bible...( I don't know why) Hopes this helps some. Maybe we can help each other if it turns out that we can prove Littleton and Mary were siblings! beky DNHAMILL@aol.com wrote: > > Hi, > I don't remember if I asked you this earlier, but wonder if you know the fate > of your Mary DeVaughn Barber. I am searching for the ancestors of a Mary > Barber b abt that time, who lived in that area with her husband Thomas > Jefferson Smith. Any ideas? > David Hamill > > ==== BARBER Mailing List ==== > Need list assistance? Please contact: dmorgan@efn.org > List Adm for BARBER-L and BARBER-D > Now with over 340 subscribers!