I would be grateful for any information that would help confirm the parents of Sarah Ellen SPONG (1827-1910), possibly known as Ellen, who married David BILLMYER (1811-1897) of Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co., West Virginia, United States. The book "Prominent Men of Shepherdstown During Its First 200 Years [1762-1962]" states: "On July 17, 1849, he [David BILLMYER] married Sarah Ellen SPONG, of SHEPHERD descent, who had been reared in the home of Dr. Thomas and Ann Shepherd HAMMOND" (surname emphasis is mine), so she is a descendant of the SHEPHERDs of Shepherdstown, Jefferson Co., West Virginia. I suspect, but cannot prove, that she is the daughter of Mathias SPONG Jr. (1791- 1829) & his wife, Sarah (SHEPHERD) SPONG (1791-1837), who are buried at Mount Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, Sharpsburg, Washington, Maryland, United States. If so, Sarah Ellen SPONG was orphaned by the age of 10 years, which would account for her being raised by the HAMMONDs.