My roots in Jefferson County, Ala go back to somewhere in the 1830's. My ancestor, Benjamin Goyne (b. abt 1780 in NC) had a daughter, Elizabeth (b. abt 1816) who m. Nathan F. Wheatly on 3 July 1833 in Jefferson Co., ALA. Their daughter, Arrena A. Wheatly, b. abt 1836, m. Washington A. Bates (b. abt 1830) on 15 Dec 1850 in Jefferson Co., ALA. Washington and Arrena’s son, John W. Bates, (b. abt 1852 Jefferson CO.,ALA) m. Mary Jane STANDLAND, b. 26 Jan 1849, dau of James H. and Lisa Jane STANDLAND. Their daughter, Lucy Ann Bates is my great-grandmother. Families mentioned above are listed in Jefferson Co., ALA 1850 Census: (p. 206 B, Powels Beat, Dist. 32) Fam # 96 Goyne, Benjamin 70 NC (Listed with what is apparently his second wife, Mary) Fam # 97 Wheatly, Nathan 34 GA Elizabeth 34 TN Arrena A. 14 ALA (m. Washington A. BATES) Benjamin 12 ALA (he m. Nancy K. BATES, sister of Washington A.) Mary A. 10 ALA Rhoda A. 9 ALA Nancy C. 7 ALA William J. 5 ALA ( p. 204A, 204B; Powels Beat, Dist. 32 Fam # 64 Bates John 45 SC Frances 45 SC (maiden name not presently known) Washington A.20 GA (m. Arrena A. WHEATLY) Mary A. 17 GA Nancy 14 GA Melissa J. 10 ALA Lucinda F. 6 ALA (m. 1. James M. Goins (GOYNE?)) John W. 3 ALA Newton B. 3 ALA Page 217A, Greens Beat, Dist # 32, Jefferson CO.,ALA 1850 Census Fam # 60 STANLEY, James H. 35 NC Jane 20 ALA Mary J. 1 ALA Family stories have been passed on that Lucy Ann BATES was Indian (either full or 1/2), but I have found no proof. Are these families familiar to anyone? T Niswonger