What will it take to prove that the Solomon Owens in Barnwell Distr, SC, son of STephen Owens and grandson of Solomon Owens of the same place, was one and the same as my GGGgrandfather Solomon A. Owens of Gadsden County, FL? So far, both had a wife named Sarah (the other Solomon in Barnwell was married to an Elizabeth). Both the couples were about the same age. Both men were moderate planters. The key may lie in the respective Sarahs. In 1823, Solomon sold land which had been part of a purchase by his father Stephen in 1800, and according to Stephen's will this 100 ac had been given to Solomon at his marrage (c1817) Solomon's wife Sarah testified to her waiver of dower rights by making her mark, not signing as did Solomon. In Gadsden County, FL, the 1850 and 1860 Census records whether individuals could read and write; Sarah is not indicated as illiterate in either census. It is possible that Sarah learned to read and write between 1823 and 1850, or that she either lied to conceal this or erroneous information was given about this. In 1858 Solomon of Gadsden sold a tract of land; presumably Sarah would have to waive her dower rights for this with signed testimony. I am waiting on a copy of this deed to see what happened. Another tact I am taking is the possiblity of military service, specifically in the War of 1812 for which Solomon would have been just old enough to serve. Indeed, there is a Solomon Owens listed from SC who served as a private in militia evidently raised under the authority of the Feds. Hopefully the military service will show where he enlisted and maybe a birthplace. What would be better and would give more information would be a Bounty Land Warrent application, which would give military service but birthplace and residence at application. It is quite probable that Solomon may have made application for this after he arrived in FL (assuming my theory is correct). I have requested this document as well. I have also requested Pension application file, which would give good information. However, no Pension applications for the War of 1812 by any Solomon Owens are recorded. It is likely that Solomon would have had too much real estate to qualify for a pension. But we'll see. Wish I could make this all fit together, and get the information I need faster. Will stay in touch. Scott Owens