I found the original message! I had printed it out and very carefully put it on the open Abstract book, then closed the book. I really do need a "keeper". For what its worth, there is a tie between this Wells family and Shadrack Stallings family. They cross reference almost a dozen times, but try as I might I can't find a related connection. >From # 5 WILLIAM WELLS: p. 13 SHADRACK STALLINGS to WILLIAM WELLS, both of Duplin Co., 20 July 1784, for 20 pds. specie 50A on the ES of Bens Creek, a branch of Rockfish Creek & on BS of the Reedy Branch, beg. at a white oak on the lower edge of the branch on JACOB WELLS' line. Wit: EDWARD DICKSON, WILLIAM GOFF. July Ct. 1784. p.199 witnessed a transaction of SHADRACK STALLINGS to DAVID SLOAN, 4 June 1785. p.203 witnessed a transaction of SHADRACK STALLINGS to DAVID SLOAN, 4 June 1785 p.223 witnessed a transaction of ELIJAH BOWEN to SHADRACK STALLINS, 11 July 1785 p.310 witnessed a transaction of JESSE REGISTER to SHADRACK STALLINGS, 24 Feb 1786 p.365 witnessed a transaction of RICE MATTHEWS to MESHACK STALLINGS, 25 Feb 1786 In some of these abstracts a JACOB WELLS is also a witness. What do we do now? Dee -----Original Message----- From: Ally3729@aol.com <Ally3729@aol.com> To: d7777@worldnet.att.net <d7777@worldnet.att.net> Date: Tuesday, November 23, 1999 9:40 PM Subject: Re: Duplin Co. lookups >Dee, >In short the original request was about my grandfather''s Dad. I wondered if >you had anything on Will or Willie WELLS. My grandfather Walter MATHIS had a >half-brother, David Wells. You asked me if Will or Willie could be William. I >am not really sure. Walter's mother was Laura MATHIS. Thanks for responding >so quickly. > >Alice >