Dear listmembers, I don't know how many of you are related on the Duplin-Sampson-Johnston-Wayne Co., NC Thorntons of supposedly the Thomas Sr., born ca. 1719, who died Duplin Co., 1777,and wife Martha Thornton line. Is everyone as confused as I am with the many Thomas Jr's. , Sr.'s and Nathaniels? Other researchers have indicated that according to the deeds of Duplin Co.,NC, the sons of this Thomas Sr. were: 1. Herod ca. 1743 2. Nathaniel ca.1745 3. John 1749 4. Benjamin ----- 5. Thomas (Jr.) 1755 Maybe someone else has a better idea of birthyears? Now the problem comes with me not knowing when young men attained the age to have property in their names in NC, at that time period. I was always told throughout my years of research that it was 21. When a son became 21, he could be found in the tax records in the State of Kentucky. That is one way to guestimate their birthyears, when they were not named, but as males in the early census. Now I am wondering about those Duplin Co.,NC deed records! One deed dated 21 Feb. 1759, John Teele to Herod Thornton.-----but Herod is only supposed to be around 16?? Another deed dated 15 March 1755 Mark Phillips to Thomas Thornton JR., with witnesses as: Thomas Thornton Sr. and Nathaniel Thornton.------now Jr. was BORN 1755, and Nathaniel was only supposed to be about 10 years old??? Can anyone set these records straight?? Mamie