I thought I'd sent this earlier but I'm not sure if it actually went. So pardon me if this does eventually come through twice... Renee: It is not known whom this Mary Birdwell was, yet she could easily be either a descendant of, our at least related to, our George Birdwell (c1720-1781) of Botetourt Co, VA & Sullivan Co, TN. It is Not Proven but seems quite possible that Mary was a daughter of Robert Birdwell (c1740’s-1815), the eldest son of George (c1720). Again, it is not proven that this Mary Birdwell was a daughter of Robert Birdwell. However, the following information given to me Aggie Birdwell & Jane Teal demonstrates that there were connections between the families of Robert BIRDWELL and a John CHESTER over a period of several decades. March 1792 John CHESTER & John SMITH proved a deed dated 3-19-1791 for 50 acres of land sold by Patrick SHEALDS to Robert BIRDWELL. (Sullivan Co, Tennessee. Book 2, pg 519). 11-5-1810 Robert BIRDWELL reportedly sold a female slave to John CHESTER 7-25-1816 “I, John CHESTER will see that John BIRDWELL will deliver to Charles JONES title to the following land, near the old Crawford place.” (Sullivan Co, Tennessee. Court Records Book 7, page 280). [This item regarded the disposition of 20 acres of land owned by the estate of Robert Birdwell (c1740’s-1815). John Birdwell of Giles Co, Tennessee was administrator of his estate. This John Birdwell (c1775) is believed to be a son of Robert Birdwell (c1740’s-1815) ]. 3-11-1825 “John BIRDWELL, adm. of John CHESTER dec’d, filed his accounts, final settlement. Hearing set 3rd Monday in April 1825.” (Limestone Co, Alabama. Orphan’s Court Minutes 1824-25. page 13). [This is believed to be the same John Birdwell (c1775) of Giles Co, TN, the son of Robert (c1740’s). It is unclear who this John Chester was, perhaps the son of John Sr. ? If Mary Birdwell Chester was Robert’s daughter then John Birdwell (c1775) would be an uncle to John Chester Jr..] So while Mary’s identity is certainly not determined it is certain that some John CHESTER (or two men named John Chester) were associated with Robert BIRDWELL (c1740’s) and his presumed son John BIRDWELL (c1775). I hope this is helpful. I’ll send you a few more odds and ends on what was in my file for Mary. Regards, Weldon J. Birdwell, in Montana