Do we have a doctor in the house? Thought it would be interesting to check out Mr. Jno C. Duckworth who compiled our 1870 census. From Transylvania Beginnings: John Calloway Duckworth was born 28NOV1829 and died 02FEB1872 "of an illness contracted in the War". Am I correct that this is the polite way to publish "He cheated on his wife during the Civil War and ended up with syphilis" Of course he married his first cousin and they never had any children so it may have been one of those economic platonic marriages anyway - who knows. Probably best that we don't get into the bedrooms of our ancestors. Anyway - If John contracted his "disease" in the war - he had it while riding around the county asking everyone nosy questions. Anyone know what kind of physical effects he would be suffering from in 1870 - 2 years before he died. He was serving in the State Legislature when he croaked. One more mystery - for some reason in Eastatoe, John suddenly stops asking about education levels - like someone pulled out a gun and told him it was none of his @#%! business. I know in general, folks in the hills hated census takers. Just wondering if there was some specific hostilities toward John for some reason. -- Linda Hoxit Raxter http://www.rootsquest.com/~alextree lraxter@citcom.net Western North Carolina Cemeteries and More! American Local History Network - Transylvania County, NC Coordinator Related to at least half the county at least once ; )