Thanks so much for the help that was given. Thanks also for the correction regarding the disownment of Abner. I found it online and in the book by Hinshaw and I'll double check it. Probably my transcription error. I have more questions - Were there any naming practices that might be helpful in figuring out parentage? I have the names of Abner Gordon's children and they do reflect the names of the "potential" grandparents and a sister: Henry Clay Ledbetter, Ruth Iddings (I believe this couple is Baptist) John Gordon and Mary Wheeler. Another aspect: It appears that John Gordon and wife Mary (Wheeler) Gordon took in John's nephew's (Nephew was James W. Gordon)children (Seth, John, Mary and James Jones Gordon) about 1823. John's brother Jonathan Wheeler Gordon the children's grandfather died in 1824. The children's mother, Deborah (Jones) Gordon died in Jul 1823, shortly after the birth of James Jones "Jimmy" Gordon. John GORDON and wife Mary, totally raised JImmy as their own and partially raised Seth and John according to the Gordon-Macy Book. The children's father remarried in 1827 and I believe he moved to Indiana. I can see this in the 1830 and 1840 census in Guilford County, NC for John GORDON (alt. Gordan, Gordin, Gorden). I've accounted for all these children . In two census records, I also see an unknown male of Abner's age living with John and Mary Gordon. Another aspect: Abner Gordon was bondsman for James Jones "Jimmy" Gordon when James married. I am unsure if that has significance of not. Thanks again for the all the help. I can see checking for GORDON probate records is my next task. Diane in California