Would like help on where to go from here: I have .... 1. Census records of 1840 showing Hugh Stamper in Iredell. 2. Estate record dated 1841 of estate sale of Hugh Stamper. 3. Death certificate for J.H. Stamper listing Hugh Stamper & Maggie Wagner/parents. 4. Death certificate for R.A. Stamper listing Abe & Polly Stamper/parents. 5. Statement from the Military of service & death of Gurney A. Stamper. All of the above are somehow tied together but am at a standstill. In the 1850 Iredell census I find only a James Stamper (age 22) and his mother Mary (age 60) and also my direct line...Catherine Stamper (widow of John) age 38 along with her children Mary E. "Polly", Gilbert, George and Margaret. No other STAMPERS listed in Iredell. I know that Mary E. was the mother of my great grandmother, Margaret "Maggie" Stamper Lackey. Later census show Maggie's brothers, James M., Gilbert A. along with Maggie. 1870 census shows Nancy Stamper widow of James B. Stamper [who I found in 1850 census in Catawba Co.] But no other Stampers. Maggie is always listed in the household of Catherine Stamper along with her mother, Mary E. Cannot determine where the men of the household are nor can I prove if Catherine was the mother of J.H. Stamper or possibly an aunt. According to the marriage certificates for James M. Stamper and Gilbert A. Stamper their parents names appeared on one as, J.H. Stamper and M.E. Stamper and on the other as, Hugh & Polly Stamper. Since the only thing listed in the NC archives for wills/estates on the Stampers is the one I presently have on Hugh, where should I go from here to tie these people together. I strongly believe that J.H. Stamper was the son of Hugh Stamper but can't prove it and have not even been able to determine what the "J" stood for in his name. Also, how R.A. Stamper is also tied into this family. Will tax list give me clues to other Stampers that I have not seen in census? Are there published books on church memberships? Were there local publications during the 1860's in Iredell that would list those killed during the civil war and possibly list their widows and children [Maggie's father is reported to have died as a result of the war possibly after he got home....no pension papers.]? Thanks to all on the list for great past advice. Just really stumped by all this. I am open to any and all suggestions as I have a big mess and a headache. Sherry