This is how I see Jane's line. Francois Chaudoin m Sarah Weaver Francis Chaudoin, Jr. m Mrs. Judith (???) Hutchings, a widow Henry Chaudoin/Shadowyn/Shadowen m Nancy Purvis Elizabeth Chaudoin/Shadowin m Hugh Mitchell Sparkman I know nothing about the selling or trading of Elizabeth, but I know that this occurrence was not rare in the early years when parents found themselves uncapable of caring for their children. Since Henry died at age 40y and there were apparently 8 children in his family, the oldest, James, being only 19y, and the youngest being about a year old, there could have been a strong possibility that this happened. Elizabeth was the oldest daughter and 14y at her father's death. Many children were also "bound out" for that reason. It appears that Elizabeth was 16y when she married Hugh. Anyone have additional information to share? Audrey -----Original Message----- From: Jane E. Sparkman [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, June 01, 2003 9:29 AM To: [email protected] Subject: My great great grandfather Hugh Mitchell Sparkman born in July 28, 1822 and died June 15, 1908. He was married to Elizabeth Shadowin born on March 10, 1832 abd died on November 10, 1900. They both died in Rio Vista, Texas, Johnson County Texas. They are buried at the Rio Vista Cemetery along with some children. Her father was Henry Shadowin. Her brother sold or traded her to Hugh Mitchell Sparkman. Do you have any information that might go along with this. Jane Sparkman [email protected]