-- M.R. SIMS (Malachi Reaves Sims) m. Frances BOTTOMS on Dec.22 1842, by Justice of the Peace HARTSFIELD in Pike Co. GA. Though we have not, at this time, made a connection between M. R. and Frances to the Pike Co. SIMS and BOTTOMS, research shows that these three families (SIMS, BOTTOMS and HARTSFIELD) associated with and were intermarried within the immediate generations (sources: marriage records and land records). There were brothers in Pike Co., Mark and Martin SIMS, one of whom we believe could be M. R.'s father, since M. R. named two of his sons Mark and John Martin. We feel certain that a family connection exists but have not yet been able to prove this. After the birth of their eldest child, James M. SIMS (b. 1844), they moved to Barbour Co. AL between 1844 -1846. Frances died after the birth of her fifth child in 1853. The baby followed her to the grave just two months later. In the 1850 Barbour Co. AL Census, it shows that M.R. Sims was born in GA c. 1823 and Frances was born in SC c. 1824. There was a Mary A. BOTTOMS, aged 32 living with them, also born in SC c. 1820. We believe this to be Frances' older sister. Their children were: James M. SIMS b. 1844 & m. Francis Viola VINSON Mark Washington Sims b. 1846 died unmarried in Civil War Mary Ann Elizabeth SIMS b. 1847 & m. Thomas E. Atkinson John Martin SIMS b. 1850 & m. Mary M. Adams Sarah Elizabeth SIMS b. 1853 infant death After Frances' death, M. R. migrated to Dale Co. AL where he remarried and continued to raise his children and a second family. If anyone has any information of any SIMS, BOTTOMS or HARTSFIELD individuals or families in the county or directly connected, or if anyone wishes further info on this family, please reply. With much appreciation, Cynthia SIMS Kirkland