Thanks to all who tried to help, but I finally figured out the puzzle. William H Holt was actually William Herman Holt of Shelby & Nacogdoches counties TX he was listed on census as Herman but he was there as the son of William Silas Holt of Shelby Co, TX the son of John Nelson Holt of Abbeville Co SC, Cherokee Co TS & Shelby Co TX the son of Israel Holt of Granville Co. NC, Laurens & Abbeville Co. SC before moving to Cherokee Co. TX, the son of John Holt Jr of Granville Co. NC Laurens & Abbeville Co. SC, Shelby Co. TX the son of John Holt Sr of Granville Co. NC & Prince William Co. VA I probably have a few counties mixed up in all this, but a young man is now happy that he knows his family back past his deceased father and grandfather. Thanks everyone. Ed Holt, Administrator Holt Surname Project