Hi Fellow Brown Researchers: I have just joined the list and would like your help with the following Browns in my Garton family: Frances (Fanny) DICKINSON, (b. ca. 1735), dau. of Nathaniel & Elizabeth Dickinson of Spotsylvania Co., VA m. (1) Elijah GARTON b. ca. 1732 in Spotsylvania Co. VA - d. ca. 1774/5 Intestate Augusta Co., VA (His estate was sold at auction 13Oct1775). They lived in Orange Co. ca. 1759 and moved to Augusta Co. ca. 1768. Had 8 children. m. (2) John BROWN of Augusta Co., VA on 25Aug1778 in Rockingham Co. and had one son by him, also named John BROWN Jr., who was executor of her will, dated 1May1824, probated 14Mar1825, Todd Co.(formerly Christian Co.) KY. We don't know when John Brown died, but probably around 1807 when we believe Frances Garton Brown followed her daughter's SHANKLIN family to Christian Co., KY. It is my speculation that John BROWN was considerably older than Frances, and his children by his first wife were probably considerably older than the Garton children who ranged from age 22 down in 1778.. According to research done by the prominent Augusta Co. genealogist, Katherine G. Bushman, "John Brown owned land on Moffett's Creek in southern section of Augusta County which he purchased in the 1780's. The Rev. John Brown of New Providence Church married (performed the ceremony for) Joseph Shanklin and Fanny Garten (dau. of Frances and Elijah Garton), step-daughter of John Brown." We were told by another researcher that John Brown and the Rev. John Brown were related to the Dickinsons, just how we don't know and we don't know how they were related to one another. Ms. Bushman lists the following children for John Brown which came "from deeds executed by all those named in selling the land of John Brown in 1830, and finally in 1854." John BROWN Sr.'s children by both marriages: 1. James Brown, m. Elizabeth ? . They were in Hickman Co., KY in1830. 2. Hannah Brown, deceased before 1830. 3. Daniel BROWN, was in Madison Co., IL in 1830 4. Elizabeth BROWN, m. a TAYLOR. They were in Madison Co., IL in 1830. 5. Jane BROWN, m. John Risk. She was deceased by 1830 and her children were in Scott Co., KY in 1830. 6. William BROWN, was deceased by 1830. 7. Sarah BROWN, deceased by 1830. 9. Mary (Polly) BROWN, m. Nathaniel GARTEN. They were in Monroe Co., VA in 1830. (Nathaniel Garton was an "Indian Fighter" and a step-son of John Brown.) 10. John BROWN m. Elizabeth ? . They were in Todd Co., KY in 1830. (John Brown Sr.'s son by second marriage.) 11. Nancy BROWN m. George Wright. Moved to Ohio and died ca. 1854 when the following 7 children were listed: a. John BROWN, Illinois b. James BROWN, Iowa c. Susanna (Brown) McBRAYER, Kentucky d. Rebecca BROWN, m. Nathaniel GREEN, St. Joseph Co., IN e. Hannah BROWN, m. Philip SUITER, Scott Co., Iowa f. Eliza J. BROWN, m. John H. SUITER, Scott Co., Iowa g. Elizabeth BROWN, m. John Smith If indeed John BROWN SR. was related to the Rev. John BROWN and they both were related to Dickinsons, it is very possible that Frances Dickinson Garton was a cousin to the John BROWN she married second. The maiden name of Frances' mother Elizabeth is still unknown, but I have been exploring the possibility that she may have been a BROWN, although currently it looks more like she may have been a COLEMAN. However, there are Browns intricately connected to the Colemans too. Can anyone help me put the pieces to this puzzle together? I'm sure many of you have a "John BROWN" in your family and understand what an impossible task it is to trace him. So, if any of you have connections to any of the above or have any clues for me to follow up on, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for your help, Gail gailgilbert@earthlink.net