Eleanor, I have found 11 Gordon families living in Madison Co in the late-1700s and early 1800s. Through a combination of conventional research and DNA testing, I have determined that there were at least two very distinct Gordon families living in the area and believe that most of the Gordons there were closely related to one of the two families. My ancestor Robert GORDON (born abt. 1773-1784 NC - d. 1854) most likely married a Sarah ROBERTSON/ROBINSON in 1805 in Madison Co. Sarah was the daughter of Samuel ROBERTSON and Elizabeth HARRIS, who was the daughter of Chris Harris and Mary Elizabeth DABNEY family of VA. She first married a James MCNEELY in 1792. Furthermore, I have whom I believe is your Thomas Jefferson GORDON listed as the son of a David GORDON (1770 - 1849) who married Jane -Jinney- BOYLE (b. 1780 Richmond KY - 1840) - daughter of John BOYLE (1750 - 1824) and Jane BLACK (1751 - 1801). While DNA has helped considerably, the Gordons and related families are still incredibly difficult to untangle, but possibly the information on the following link to my research on Madison Co. Gordons will be of use to you. http://gordonquest.com/current-research.htm Please email me if you have any questions. Kindest regards, Tei A. Gordon Co-Admin The Gordon DNA Project www.TheGordonDNAproject.com