________________________________ From: Hotmail <rmonty1956@hotmail.com> To: 'EVELYN WALLACE' <hdanw@verizon.net> Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2012 2:56 PM Subject: Dupuy and Harris Evelyn, We are a hit on family finder. Are you interested in exchanging information? Randy Montgomery Richardsville, VA 540-273-6527 PS Here is my genealogy for the Harris line, or what I am told it is. I am the son of Enola Murray, who is the daughter of Thomas Ward Murray and Verna Hadlock, Ward is the son of Zinna Palestine Nickell, who is the daughter of Mary Emily Amanda Harris and Valentine Taylor Nickell, who is the daughter of Mary Jane Bishop and Elijah J Harris.  We have been told that Elijah was the son of James or James Riley Harris who was married to Jane Harmon.  I have been to Tazewell VA and surrounding area.  I talked to living Harris's in Tazewell.  To be honest I question some of what has been told to me, something is right from how I feel.  I still work for a living and have limited time but have caught the bug.  My church service and work keep me pretty busy.  I currently in very demanding callings in my church.  I may be slow in responding at times but always try to respond. Response from E.W.Wallace:  Although my maiden name is a VERY COMMON surname, when I search for Harrises, I am almost overwhelmed.  There are so many of them. When you post anything about your Harrises (or any other ancestor), you really should include some dates.  You have hinted at a PLACE. You must get acquainted with the Library of Virginia website, but especially the Land Patents.  If you stumble upon an alphabetical index for the holdings of LVA, go down to Land Patents--the title will include *Northern Neck land grants* [which does not include southern Virginia].  The oldest land grants for the families you seek will be at the *very end*.  Some Virginia patents are still being issued in the 21st century.  Remember:  Surname, given names if known; PLACE; dates (or best guesses.)  You will get better results if you throw in a date or two. In a long ago lecture in Richmond, I was told that the Commonwealth of Virginia virtually emptied of residents after the American Revolution.  North Carolina and Kentucky (and later Tennessee) were full of former Virginians--and no doubt Marylanders also.  If you live in Virginia, check the shelves of your local libraries (and that includes community colleges and Universities--if you can find parking) and check the local history books, but also these important volumes--Cavaliers and Pioneers.  There are now eight volumes, and they are well indexed  Tazewell Co. is a *new* county in Virginia's history.  For less than $20, you can purchase, I am fairly sure, a book entitled Virginia Genealogical Research by Dr. George K. Schweitzer of Knoxville,TN. (google for his name)  When I am going [alas, my traveling days seem to be over] to Virginia or Kentucky [Virginia's sister state], I put my book pertaining to that state in a ziplock bag and take it along on the trip. Happy Hunting!  E.W.Wallace