Greetings! I am new to this group, and have thoroughly enjoyed the discussions so far, especially regarding Ancestry.com. My grandmother was a Hamilton, and at one point I had quite a bit more information (sources and such) but our house burned down last summer, and I lost 15 years of genealogy research with it. So, I am starting over, and appreciate any and all help I can get! Although I've been digging up ancestors for over 15 years now, I feel like a newbie, because I really am almost having to start from scratch. Following is my Hamilton ancestry: My grandmother was Edna Hamilton, born 24 October 1907 in Menard County, Texas. She married Virgil Silas Westbrook on 26 November 1927. She died in Odessa, Texas on 19 October 1970. Her father was James Russell Hamilton, b. 14 June 1883 in Commanche County, Texas. He married Sarah Laura Adams on 25 November 1906, and died 21 Nov 1966 in Coleman, Texas. His father was Thomas Benjamin Hamilton, b. 30 July 1849 in Mississippi. He married Margaret Smith (2nd marriage to Elizabeth Stephens 23 August 1896). He died 17 October 1923 in Live Oak, Concho County, Texas. His father was Joel Foster Hamilton, b. 4 August 1822 in Tennessee. He married Orah (Orra?) Williams, and died 21 November 1877 in Mississippi. I have Joel and Ora's children as follows: 1. James, b. 1845 in MS 2. George R., b. 19 Aug. 1846 in MS; d. 26 Jan. 1930 in Tishomingo, OK 3. Thomas Benjamin (see above) 4. Margaret F., b. 1851 in MS 5. Mary A., b. 1853 in MS 6. Milton (John W.?), b. 1858 in MS 7. Bedie (Orra O?) b. 1864 in MS Thanks for any help! Valarie Westbrook Brooks North Carolina [email protected] www.geocities.com/morningtower