Bill, In 1850: John HALL, 51, overseer, b. VA, living in household of B. B. ELLIS John C. HALL, 26, carriage trimmer.....Bill, the place of his birth is a mystery, most of the time the problem is that the copy is dark or faded, making it difficult to read, but in this case, it's clear....I just don't know what it means! It (to me, anyway) very clearly reads 'Map'.....do you have any idea what this might be? Also, I believe he was probably living in something like a boarding house. He is listed in the household of a DAVENPORT, whose occupation is listed as 'landlord.' The household is made up of several different family names, from different states, even different countries. And most are men w/o families, as John HALL was. Elias HALL, 35, teacher, b. NC, living in the household of BALDWIN (page 91) In 1840: John HALL, of 30 and under 40 yrs., no other members of household I've enlisted the help of my husband, son and my next door neighbor, because that 'Map' thing has made me so curious! But they all agree it looks like Map. I wish you'd let me know if you ever find out what it is..... Do you have Ann Brown's "Jeff. Co., MS Cemeteries, Etc." books? Let me know if you don't, there are a lot of Halls in both volumes. Hope this helps. Nancy