Theron, I do SO much appreciate your very helpful response to my message! It does seem pretty clear that my ggg grandfather Thornton OWENS did marry Rebecca MASSEY. She is shown as Rebecca on Census records and on her youngest child, son Sanford G. OWENS's death certificate her maiden name is given as MASSEY. She and Thornton were both born in South Carolina according to Census and were living in Franklin County, Georgia, in 1850. Hart County was created partly from Franklin County, and Rebecca was with her oldest child, son James in Hart County in a later Census, 1870, I believe, and maybe 1880 as well. (I am not at home right now and don't have my census copies here.) When I get home, I will try to find the other census records you mention. I, too, hope that the DNA project works out, although my DNA obviously cannot be of any help either. I hope the list will receive updates of its progress. Thanks again so much, and I will greatly appreciate any further suggestions or information that you or anyone else can provide regarding Rebecca's ancestry! LouDean