Received this from another researcher and have permission to share with QUEEN-L: Begin quote: What 'theory' I have derived so far is this: The Middletons were strongly related to the Dentons, Picklesimers (Picklesimers to the Hoopers) and Chastains in those early years. The Hoopers and Picklesimers were blacksmiths, and therefore had a some what "conveniently located business" which accommodated patronage from the Cherokees as well as the early pioneers. The 1850-60 census shows that John (my ggg grandfather) lived in Webster. Of course, back then, that encompassed quite a large spot! This would be in the area across from Love's field (close to where Wal-mart is now situated... Mill crk/ Massie,etc). The road on the North side takes you to Webster which was the county seat There, to the right upon the hill just past the old Love's Crk Bpst Church, live quite a few Middletons, and I suspect this area was John's residence or close to it. Griff Middleton (former sheriff) and his family lived in that area, I believe there are still Middletons there. I will ask my third cousin, who is researching this line as well. He still lives in Sylva. I remember talking to him about this and will chat with him first chance I get. You will need to give me your 'theory' so we can add fodder to the discourse. Originally, the Middletons migrated with the Dentons from SC to the Caney Fork area. I believe my gggg grandfather, Thomas, John's father, purchased land there with Samuel Denton. There is a Hooper cemetery off Middleton Rd.at Caney Fork and there are Cowarts/Cowards, Hoopers, Middletons and others. I didn't look for Queens, but will next time I go there. My gg grandfather, Nathan Middleton, John's son, married a Picklesimer (Mary "Polly"). He was killed at the battle of Chickamauga and the area where they lived in Tuckasegee, known as Polly Middleton Gap, was named after her, as was Sam Queen Gap, after your ancestors. I asked Dad about the Queens and he said they lived in Queenstown in the John's Crk area near the Browns. Brown Mtn forms one side of Sam Queen Gap. Dad was familiar with the area (off John's Crk, ssr 1747). Hooper knob is off ssr1739, Moses Crk, off Caney Fork) I do believe we have branches of Browns and I believe a Queen or two on our family tree. Well, this is not much, but maybe you can glean something from it. I wish I could give you the exact location, and I may find out something from the info you have. Keep in touch. I'll run a copy of you last post and file it for future contact. End of quote. Gene