I am researching my husband's line. I have come to a standstill and a mystery. The mystery concerns an ancestor by the name of Cullin LUCAS Ballenger Earp b. abt 1763 in VA. Cullin's siblings are William LUCAS Ballenger Earp and Cary LUCAS Ballenger Earp birthdates unknow. These children are named in the will of Edward Earp who died in Wake Co, North Carolina in 1784. In the original will they are named as his "natural children" and in a copy of the will, they are named as "his wife Susanna's children". In present day dictionaries, the word "natural" would mean illigitamate, but I do not know what it meant in the late 1700's. If they were his wife's children, she may have been married to a Ballenger in VA and then later married Edward Earp bringing the children with her. I am also surmising that since the children all carry the LUCAS name that it might have been Susanna's maiden name. I know that I am making alot assumtions, but at this point that is all I can do. Anyone who can help, please contact by e-mail and this forum. Thank you. Mary Ann Marshall cakemom102@aol.com