Ruby sent an e-mail on 8/26, which I have just re-read: I feel that some researchers of Madison County's early settlers would find it rewarding to look into the counties further west. Many of our ancestors were moving west. Mine were heading to Missouri. They removed from Madison Co. in the 1830's and stayed in Christian Co. long enough to have six children before moving on to Hickman Co., KY just east of the Mississippi River and Missouri. They died and are buried in Hickman Co. but some of their children went on to Missouri and Texas. My comment: Ruby's message I have just read. Yes, she is right. Our ancestors were migratory--and their descendants, for the most part, still are!! Look west--not only in Kentucky [remember no autos at the time we are talking about] but across the rivers in adjoining States and later in Missouri. Some North Carolinians, after spending some time in Tennessee, moved on to *Jackson Purchase* Kentucky. I might add - keep an eye on migrations to Texas. Texas, in its early days, was filled with Southern born residents, many of whom had financial troubles in adjoining states in a financial panic ca 1840s. Also, some of them had other troubles with not only the civil courts, but some of the criminal courts. It pays to read old court records!!! And, if you can get to a courthouse, poke around some of the dusty books [thin, insignificant ones, especially if they are dusty]. A distant cousin found in Henderson Co., KY a bail bond in such a book [which was just lying around without any title on the back or front] and found a document which links two Samuel Williamses, one of whom went to Hickman Co.--and there was appointed a jailer [gaoler]!!! This is the only firm evidence that we have for believing that these two Williamses were father and son. Good luck in your future searches--and look over your old notes. You may be able to link a couple of people together now that your notes have *aged* [like wine]. E.W.Wallace **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001)