I have never been to Union Parish, but am fascinated with it's history. The correspondence the past few days has been both intriguing and informative. My grandfather, William Frank Cole, my great grandfather, William Marion Cole, and my great great grandfather Thomas J. Cole, were all born in Union Parish. Thomas was the oldest son of James Cole and Matilda (Masterson). I have been able to find succession records on both James and Thomas, and emancipation papers on William Marion Cole, when he came of age. I know James had a tract of land known as "the mill", where he ran a sawmill. I just have not been able to find who might have been the parents of James Cole. I have one clue, and thought perhaps someone might offer a suggestion or direction. On the 1830 Claiborne Parish census, there is a "William Cole" listed as head of household, and there was a male child the right age to be my James. Then on the 1840 Union Parish census, James shows up as head of household, but there is a male in the household of the right age to be James' father. Does anyone know if these two households could have been in the same location (Claiborne to Union)? The Union Parish web site is wonderful. Thank you Karen, and all those who continually help to improve it. Judy Cole