This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/EBB.2ACE/2380.2 Message Board Post: TJ, My family (Nelson) is from East Bernstadt (Mershon's, Victory, Hazel Green, River Hill). My family (Nelson & Cox) resided in Jonesborough, TN prior to moving to this area. The Confederates had a permanent army in Jonesborough throughout the Civil War to prevent the citizens of this area from raising an army to assist the north. Most citizens in Jonesborough, TN did not own slaves so weren't very supportive of the south. My family left TN between 1859 - 1860 to find a more neutral (safer) residence. Let me know if you need more assistance. I have been reseaching for about 10 years and wondered the same thing. If you can trace your relatives to the Jonesborough area they have great records at their court house.