Tom, Regarding your doubts about Simpson Breedlove: The 1860 TX census lists Simpson from AL. In his Civil War records deposition, he claims Lawrence Co, AL as his birth place. I find no other explanation, whether he was born in TN, or in AL as the best source records indicate, one still has to evaluate Charles' will reference to "Patsey; son Simpson", and the fact that Patsy married David G. Scroggins in 1821 and raised Simpson in TN. The 1850 Greene Co, MO census I checked gives Simpson's birthplace as MO, but that is incorrect. Also, Sarah Hicks is listed from MO on that same cencus, and she is definitely from TN. Simpson is the son of Patsy; father unknown. His place of birth is almost academic. I think the records are sufficient for this conclusion. As for Simpson's second family, your best contact is Mrs. Barbara Breedlove Rollins of Abilene, TX, who descends from Simpson's second wife. Regarding your doubts about Spencer Breedlove: At the death of Charles Breedlove on May 03, 1852, (this Charles is not on the 1850 Census), Spencer and John are purchasers of much of his inventory. A note is included in the probate which names John as principal for $1000 in support of Eliza Breedlove (insane Person), Spencer and Charles co-signers. Note is dated Sep 06, 1837 and references "money and property received by him (John) as curator of foresaid in the State of North Carolina." Greene Co Probate Records, File 476, Box 112. Close family members such as brothers co-sign notes and take care of sisters. Eliza, age 35, is listed in John Breedlove's household on the 1850 Greene Co census. Later, Dec 12, 1856, a James Breedlove is principal with John Breedlove and Benjamin Potter securities for $500 support for Eliza, and insane person. Greene Co. Probate Misc Records, File #385. Packet is labled "Breedlove heirs". I am not sure who this James is, unless a brother of Charles, Spencer, John, and Eliza, OR the son of uncle William as other records imply. Now you may realize why I need NC data on James Breedlove and Nancy Simmons, or some other Breedlove parentage. The records and the relationships they imply connect Spencer more with John, Charles, and Eliza than with William Sr and family with whom he grew up in AL and TN. I think the scenario I have presented is the best deduction form the AL and MO records and their total context. I will be glad to consider any other documented information. The big question you may want to consider is why Spencer is mentioned in Charles' will in Lawrence Co, AL if not the son of James in NC. He is not a son or heir of Charles. And, Spencer is not a son of William Sr who died in Webster Co, MO Oct 19, 1858. (Webster Co, MO Probate File #1723.) Bill Breedlove