This has made more sense than anything else I've seen or read. My James/Joe R. Looney can be found on the 1870 DeSoto Parish Louisiana Census with a black man (80 years old) living with him. According to The State Of Alabama Probate Court, July Term, 1855 there was a slave that was 62 years old. If James/Joe R. Looney received this man as part of the estate, that would make him 77 years old in 1870. Is it possible that it could be the same slave/black man? Just a thought. Larry, can you share with me the rest of the information you have on this line. I think this could be worth the research. What do you think? Bettye Looney Bowerman