RE the question about what the land lotteries were....I'm not real sure either, but will try to do some research to find out. However, I did learn from a quick internet search that the counties changed a lot, apparently in regards to the lotteries. The two mentioned for Frances J.- Troup and Muscogee split to form other counties, such as Harris County in Dec. 1827. These counties are down on the GA/AL border. I also found an interesting web site about the 1832 lottery, which explains (at least for that one) criteria used etc....it's http://www.sos.state.ga.us/Archives/rs/1832.htm Might help someone found an ancestor or at least more clues to the counties, also by the number of draws etc. something about him, such as married or single...Janelle