There is a Jabez Gifford listed in the Early TN Tax Lists in Sumner Co., TN in 1796 & 1797. Could this be your man? I also have copied from the 1820 TN census in Smith Co., Gideon Gifford, Jabus, Joseph, and Richard G. Gifford. Let me know if this rings a bell. Hazel Garrett garret@telapex.com