Kathy, Robert Birdwell (circa 1790's) found in Benton Co, TN in 1840 & 1850 is probably the same one found in Jackson Co, TN in 1830. So he is part of the Jackson County mystery bunch ... I BELIEVE (not proven) he was the son of Margaret Birdwell who is shown in Jackson Co, TN on the 1820 census with three boys (one son of an appropriate age to be Robert). Based upon the ages of Margaret's children her husband apparently died between 1810-1820. His identity has not been determined. A family tradition (outside the Birdwell family) has it that his name was Joseph Birdwell. But I have some serious doubts if that tradition was completely accurate, or if "Joseph" was his first name. Whatever his name was, Margaret's deceased spouse (and Robert's suspected father) was likely one of the sons of Robert Birdwell (c.1745-c1815). This elder Robert was the eldest son of George Birdwell (c1720-1781). Jackson Co, Tennessee had more than one Birdwell family and the lack of many early records leaves us with several questions as to whom was whose child. In 1830 (Jackson Co) you find Margaret now with just one son in her home, and the next two households were Robert (c1790) and Joseph Birdwell (c1803). Four other Birdwell households were in the same county in 1830 yet those three were in sequence. So my BEST GUESS is that Robert (c1790), Joseph (c1803), and the yet to be identified boy were the sons of Margaret Birdwell and her undetermined husband. I don't believe my later notes on Missouri and Arkansas are extensive enough to offer much help on what became of Robert's kids. But I'll let you know if something 'clicks' later on. What do you show on the Isaac BRIDWELL in the "adjacent county". Do you have him on the 1850 census ? If so, what county lists him and what do they show for his household ?? He might be Isaac BIRDWELL, presumed son of Isaac Birdwell (c1788-c1841). The elder Isaac's father was George (1760), and his grandfather George (c1720-1781). I've not found this younger Isaac Birdwell in 1850. Although he did marry in Benton Co. in 1851 (and died there shortly thereafter). So I would like to know what you might have found out about him. Perhaps we can confirm if he was a son of the elder Isaac of Carroll Co, TN. Good Luck, Weldon J. Birdwell in Montana