Kent, I have researched in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Prince George, Amelia, and a few other counties in VA, primarily in court house records. I have not searched cemeteries. When in Mecklenburg Co., you should visit Stuart and Margaret Elam in Chase City. They operate a jewelry store there. He was born in the co about 1920, but when I visited there in 1997 he had no information on generations beyond his grandfather. I have not connected him, therefore, to Joel or any of the other Elams who may have been related to Joel. From the records it is my understanding that Joel lived on Irby's (Yerby on some modern USGS maps) Creek, a branch of the Bluestone. William, Edward, and sons of their sons also lived on the Bluestone, but probably in what is now Charlotte Co. I would be interested in knowing if you find graves of Solomon Harmon Elam and his descendants or an Alexander Elam who died in 1789 and who I believe was a brother of Joel, William, and Edward. I will be away from my computer from about June 4 to the end of July, traveling in the West, but will check back with you. Thanks. Earl Elam