Hi cousins, I want to jump in on this discussion, but I'm at work, and can't take the time. Tonight, with my notes, I can reply. A few comments David Howell, Ashe Co NC traded land with my gggrandfather John Calvin Howell on Mill Creek, Ashe Co., a few miles from my house. I have copies of the deeds. John Calvin Howell was still in Grayson Co. VA in 1844, where he bought a tract of land from Andrew Howell (probably not his father, but maybe) on near New River at Fox Creek. He married in Old Town, VA in 1840, which is right on the edge of Grayson and Carroll Co. Va. There was most certainly two Andrew Howells in Grayson Co VA, between 1825 and 1844, one could write his name, the other couldn't. The one that could write was an heir of William Howell Sr. of Fox Creek. By the way, a George Howell owned land adjoining this William Howell Sr. around 1820 or so. This is stated on the deed from William Howell Sr. heirs to Andrew Howell. A William Howell, showed up in Ashe Co NC early, maybe 1820's, on Mill Creek, Ashe Co. NC. Possibly William Howell Jr.? There is a Sarah Howell 68 years old, in 1850 Ashe Co NC census, born in Maryland, living with George Laurance and family. George Laurance had adjoining farm to John Calvin Howell. AND, John Calvin Howell and some of his family (son Marshall) moved to Missouri around 1880, and then two years later moved on to Prairie City (Grant Co) Oregon where he died in 1905. This is curious since many messages about the Missouri Howells are being posted right now. gotta run, andy