Two early names in Warren County, the portion of which that became Allen County, were John Hightower and Anderson Cockrell (Cockrill). I'm interested in John Hightower because he was one of the three early Baptist ministers in Warren, later Allen County, along with my ancestor, Joseph Logan, and Alexander Devin. The three ministered independently and collaboratively, so I find it helpful to trace all three. (Hightower lived in Logan County, too, at one time.) Some of the LOGANs married COCKRELLs so I follow the Cockrell line as well. I'm assuming the HIGHTOWER and COCKRELL researchers already know this, but in case we have some new to the search.... In Pruitt's book, "Spartanburg County/District South Carolina Deed Abstracts, 1785-1827," Southern Historical Press, we find this entry: "p. 168-169 Jan. 8, 1795 John Hightower (Spartanburgh) to William Cockrell (same): for 60 [pounds] SC money sold 80 ac on Lasson's fork of Pacolate R; border; Henry Childs; grant Jan. 1, 1785 State Office to John Burnett. Witness John Underwood, Aaron Youngblood, and Anderson Cockell. Signed John Hightower and Christian's mark. Certified Jan. 13, 1794 by S Bethel. Rec. Apr. 26, 1796" This is significant because it shows the connection between the Cockrells and Hightowers back in South Carolina. They were connected by religion (Baptist) and being neighbors. I don't know if they emigrated together or one or some came first and corresponded with the others, although that's not an uncommon migration pattern. Another family connected with John Hightower is Cantrell. There are numerous Cantrell references in this book as well. Mike