This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: JohnEarl_Spencer Surnames: Spencer Graves Hart Napier Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.counties.white/4445.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Yes, I descend through Thomas Graves that married Lavinia Napier Willis...he, too, was married about three to four times as was she. I believe that he was a brother to Richard, Jr. and that was his only brother that lived to adulthood, but I'm sort of shooting off the top of my head which is dangerous in genealogical circles. My grandmother would often speak of her Uncle Dickie Graves and possibly an Uncle Jimmie Graves. Thomas Graves Sr.'s mother was Cassandra Riggs. If you check the Graves Family Association under Generation #169...your Richard or Nelson are proven to be descendants by DNA. Unfortunately, while I know my grandmother, Minnie Pearl Hart Spencer was definitely a Graves...one of Thomas' great grandsons flunked the DNA test. Ha! I am confident that it was more difficult for him than I, but Thomas Cassander had 3 sons...I think they may have served in the military during WWII. I have had no contact with that part of the family for 30 years as I saw them only a couple of times when we visited with the families in OK in my childhood. I only wish I could get another of the descendants to take the DNA test. Thomas Cassander married a Winfrey (SP) from the Brownsville area before moving to Oklahoma. I don't know where the bastardization happened in the family tree, but I do know ! that Lucy Cassandra and her twin Thomas Cassander were definitely Graves...they all looked to much like the many Graveses...high cheek bones, strong jaw...and large face for the most part. I was the last and youngest descendant to be raised in the original two story dog trot that was built ca 1810 - 1814 by my ggg grandfather, Richard Graves, Sr. Parts of the first and second log dogtrots that he built are now standing in New Harmony, Indiana. I don't recognize your name, but should you make the trek to Historic New Harmony it is definitely worthy of viewing. It is pleasant to meet you, Cousin. Regards, John Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.