Hi cousins, The Thomas Failing in Gibson Co. in 1837 could be the same as the one in North Carolina in 1825, perhaps. I'm good with details, but fail to see the big picture sometimes... By the way, Thomas' brother, David's, name was spelled "Failing" on the 1820 Pitt County NC census, accoring to Ernie Phelan. Here's what Ernie Phelan sent me in abbreviated form (NOT my research): Edward Phaling 1790 census living alone Pitty County NC. Deed Book Pitt County NC 1795 witness with David Smith for sale of land by Hardee Smith. 1800 census Edmund Phelan Pitt County NC: He was 26-45; 3 sons under 10. One F. 16-26 and one 26-45. Deed Book Pitt County NC 1801: Hardee Smith grantee selling right to land furniture and stock from John Smith, son of David Smith to Edmund Phelan and Elcey Phelan, witfe Smith. Deed BookPitt County NC 1803 Elsey, sister is listed as grantee selling household goods to Hardee Smith. Deed Book Pitt County NC 11-01-1825 is a marriage ceontract between Thomas Phelan and Patsey Griffien with Willim Brown as the trustee. 1830 census it appears that Thomas Phelan is living in Monroe County (Me:I wonder what state? TN and NC both have Monore counties). He has 2 sons under 5 and 2 in the 5-10 year old category. He is listed as being 30-40 . There are 2 females 5-10, one 10-15, one 15-20, and one 30-40. (Next Ernie gives..) David Phelan & wife Susan of Gibson Co., TN gave Power of Atty. to Wiley Nobles; Susan was dau. of Elizabeth Hardee, dec'd of Pitt Co.; 1848. David Phelan was born May 10, 1797 in Pitt County NC , and died May 1862 in Trenton, TN (Gibson Co.). He married Susan (daughter of Elizabeth) Hardee in Pitt County NC (no date). There is a lot more on the Hardees and David Phelan's side, but I cannot find another reference to Thomas in Ernie's notes. I cannot find an 1830 census reference to his brother, David, in Ernie's notes. Lingering Questions: 1. Did David travel to Tenn. with Thomas before 1830? 2. Did Thomas and his wife go to Tenn. between their marriage in 1825 and 1830? 3. Was the 1830 census reference (for Thomas) to Monroe County in Tenn. or NC? 4. Where were David and his wife between 1820 and 1848? 5. Did Ernie check the 1830 census in both states for David? Does this help anyone? Brenda