Nancy: Thought this information (or lack thereof) could be useful to other researchers. I could not find Joseph M. Blackwell on the 1850 or 1870 census for Rabun County. Have you tried the surrounding counties, possibly Oconee/Pickens Co., SC? Terrell Speed did not buy or sell land between 1821 and 1940. Some Speeds who bought and sold land up to about 1900 include: W. C. (William C.), Peter, Andrew, Calvin, John and Alpha. Have you tried the Archives in Atlanta for a land grant? I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Dawn Cabe CC/Rabun Co., GAGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~garabun/