This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Kirsten_Holm Surnames: Hayden / Clement / Thompson Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.maryland.counties.stmarys/4535/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I'm hoping someone can help me sort out some of my husband's St. Mary's ancestors. My husband is descended from William Hayden (1674-1732). I've found a record of a marriage in 1695 to Elizabeth Clements, who is sometimes reported as 1674-1761. However, I did find one record of personal handwritten notes that she died before 1705. I've also found mention of his marriage in 1705 to Elizabeth Thompson (1685-1761). But sometimes she appears as spanning both life spans, 1674-1761. Complicating matters is a record of a marriage in 1700 to Anna Snowden. But I've only found one Family Record Collection Data thing (that genetic collection?) and nowhere else have I found that so I'm discounting it somewhat. Does anyone know if these two Elizabeths are, in fact, one person? Elizabeth Clements Thompson? Or did Clements die in 1705 and William remarry Thompson? A few things lead me to believe the oldest 4 children were from a previous wife and the 8 were from Thompson. --The oldest 4 children are (usually) noted as being born before the 1705 marriage. --William Hayden's will bequeaths specific things to his 4 oldest children and then leaves the rest to his wife, to be divided between the 8 remaining children. --Elizabeth Thompson's will leaves things to the 8 children, or their heirs, but not to the oldest 4. If anyone has reliable information untangling this man and his wife/wives, I would very much appreciate hearing from them. This is causing quite a lot of criss-crossing of lines in my tree! I also had a general question, not particularly specific to St. Mary's. I've found records in the Family Record Collection. How reliable are those? I've found some questionable dates/relationships there but didn't know if I was misinterpreting them. I've learned to be very cautious about accepting Personal Family Tree relationships without close examination if not actual proof-too many children born 5 years before their parents! Thanks so much for any help you can give. Kirsten Holm Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.