Ira and other HHs, I have a James Harris who was supposed to be from Mecklenburg County, VA who has become a real brick wall. I need ideas. Rutherford County, NC Deeds. 8 Oct 1796 James Harris purchased 100 acres from Benjamin Wilkerson (Wilkinson) for 80 pounds. He is listed in the deed as being from Mecklenburg County, VA. At the October 1799 Rutherford County Pleas and Quarter Session, Isaac White proved the deed. This James was not listed on the 1790 census for Rutherford County but was for the 1800, 1810 and 1820 census records. He died in 1829 and his will was proven there. Based on the 1800 and 1810/1820 census' he was born between 1756 and 1765. His wife at the time of his death was Patience Unknown and there is an indication that he was also married to a Sally Spivey, a neighbor. Family tradition, based on a 1904 journal written by James' grandson (1822 - 1908), has James as the brother of Isham G. Harris' father (father would be Isham Green Harris). Isham G. Harris was the TN Governor. This family tradition does not match the West Harris Family information. They have another James Harris who move to Tenn. Maybe this James Harris from Mecklenburg County, VA was actually a great uncle of the TN Governor. It just seems odd that this grandson, who was alive at the time Isham G. Harris was governor, would have indicated his grandfather was the uncle, if he wasn't. I would love to find and prove James' parents. In the same area of NC that he settled and reared his family there was a William Harris who had a large family. One of William's sons was the bondsman for one of James' sons. However, there is nothing that supports a connection between these two men. Any thoughts or suggestions on this brick wall? Connie Bradshaw