Hello, I am not a Smalley researcher but notice that you state you known John C. Smalley was born in McDowell Co., NC in 1822. I thought it would help you in your search for records to know that McDowell Co., NC was not formed into a county until 1842. Your Smalley ancestors could have either been living in Burke or the northwestern section of Rutherford Co., NC in 1822, possibly in the area that later became McDowell. I hope this helps you narrow your search for information for your John C. Smalley. C. Ernst