This mission, should you choose to be a part, is to find the family of Minerva Collins. She was born about 1824 in NC, possibly Caswell Co. She married George Washington Ward (who doesn't have at least 3 of these in their tree!) about 1836 probably in NC, or possibly in Fayette Co., TN. Thanks to a wonderful census taker I have state AND COUNTY of birth for their children. They were: William W/N Ward b.c 1837 Fayette Co.,TN m. Louisiana Compton 6 Dec 1869 Rhea Co., TN John Henry Ward b. 22 Mar 1840 Rockingham Co., NC m. Lydia Knox and died Rhea Co., TN Iverson M. Ward b. c 1847 Rockingham Co., NC Emily/Emilie J Ward b. c 1850 Guilford Co., NC Alvis Green Ward b. c 1852 Guilford Co., NC m. Martha (Mattie) Duncan Clorinda Ward b. c 1858 prob. Rhea Co., NC m. Samuel Miller 1877 Rhea Co., NC George died after 1880 and the family story says that Minerva left her children in TN and went back to NC to live with her parents and care for them. Doesn't anyone have a Minerva WARD living with their COLLINS ancestors, a mysterious woman in the household you have been unable to identify, the person who inherited the family farm, or the spinning wheel? I'm sure this message will self-destruct after the appointed amount of time. In the meantime I will surely appreciate your help. Ida