Hi Angel, What I would do about Missouri Sikes is twofold: first, I would go to the county in which she died, and look up her death certificate. On it, you should find information about her parents. I would also look on census records, particularly 1860 and 1870, for her family. For your gg-gfather, a death certificate and older census records again would be helpful. Map Resources: On my April 1863 map of the area that has names and locations listed, I found two Sykes listed in the area in a line between Murfreesboro and Rich Square, west of Union, along a creek/stream labeled UHARA SWP which I take to mean "Uhara Swamp", and one to the north of there. There are also Bryants there. Here are the names: H. Sykes, (off the map) Sykes, W. Bryant, C. Bryant, J. Bryant, M. Bryant, Mrs. Bryant, N. Bryant, all along the same road, then along a different road, H. Bryant. When I compare this area to my present-day Hertford County map, I find to my surprise that I missed the county line designation on the old map, and that all of the information I just told you occurs in Northampton County! There is a present-day county road designated 1160 that points to the area, which is near Potecasi Creek. I don't have a present-day Northampton County map, although that is one of the things on my Still-Need-To-Get List. I hope that helps! -Susan P.S.--I suspect I have some Bryants in my family background also. I think one of the brothers of my ggg-gfather had Bryant as his middle name. Also, my first cousin is named Bryant, although he is called Brian. At 23:26 12/17/01 EST, you wrote: Hi Susan, Thanks for the warm welcome! My dad's family is from Hertford County and the Union township. I have hit a proverbial brick wall concerning my ggg Missouri Sikes, born about 1857. I have tried to find her parents. She married Nicholas Bryant and they as well as her sister (Lucy Sikes) were listed on the 1880 census. On the Hertford Co. census 1920, she is listed with her second husband Miles Dukes. Her maiden name, Sikes is also spelled Sykes. I have been trying to find her parents and have had no luck! I am also looking for the parents of my gg grandfather Thad Dukes, born about 1882. His is listed on the Hertford county census in 1900 and in 1920 when he married my great grandmother Claudia. If you have any information or tips regarding the above, please let me know! Sincerely, Angel Dukes Montague