Hi, Barbara, Excellent. At least I found the correct family, although not the right person that has you stonewalled. I might be able to help further if you know when and/or where John Sr.'s first wife died, or where/when he married Ava/Eva. I'm taking much interest in this particular family because it's very likely that Elizabeth P. SPIRES may be part of my extensive SPEARS family out of Ireland. I have them back to the birth of William SPEARS in 1731. If you have any connection to Cabarrus or Mecklenburn counties, NC with your SPIRES family, please let me know. On the off chance that the former wife might have died in Lafayette Co., I checked every LEWIS entry in the cemetery books I have. Nothing for any female with this surname who died prior to 1860. I was surprised also at just how few LEWISes there were, since the name is one of the more common ones. By the way, LEWIS is another branch of the family tree, but mine are found in Shelby and Fayette counties, TN. I enjoy helping others to solve a puzzle, so don't hesitate to get back with me if you have other relevant clues. Bill Portbarb1@wmconnect.com wrote: Bill, thanks for the quick response, I do believe this is my John Lewis family, but Ava/Eva was married before to Alex Peacock and some of the children are Peacocks not Lewis. The John age 16 is my Lewis, but Ava/Eva is not his mother. I am trying to find John Lewis, Sr before his 2nd marriage. John R A Lewis ( on his marriage certificate when he married Elizabeth P Spires moved to Texas. His name was John Russell Lewis. He and Elizabeth had a last child in TX. John R married again and had 1 more child. Thanks again, I am just clutching at straws. Barbara ============================== Search Family and Local Histories for stories about your family and the areas they lived. Over 85 million names added in the last 12 months. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13966/rd.ashx