Seeking any info on the elusive Mary Jane (aka "Aunt Mary" and "Grandma Harlan") DIXON (born circa 1888, most likely in KY; died 10 Feb 1960 Harlan Co, KY). Mary Jane was (according to her grandson) very well-known and well-regarded in Harlan County. Everyone knew her as "Aunt Mary". When they visited Harlan Co, they stayed at a house in Cumberland with (possible) kin. Mary Jane had at least 1 full sister: Sarah CAUDILL; and one half-sister: Molly. Mary Jane had at least 5 children that all bore the RATLIFF surname, although no marriage record has been located. Oral family history indicates that Mary Jane loved Henry RATLIFF but couldn't keep him tied down. It has been rumored that Mary Jane's children were born to as many as 3 different men (surnames RATLIFF, CORNETT, and possibly, CAUDILL). To the CORNETT, Mary Jane supposedly bore Malley "Marie" RATLIFF (b.1900) who married a WORKMAN. To the possible CAUDILL, Mary Jane supposedly bore William Henry RATLIFF who married Ruth. To Henry RATLIFF, Mary Jane supposedly bore: (1) Boyd RATLIFF (b.ca.1906; d.1930 Harlan Co); (2) Dossie May RATLIFF (b.ca.1914 Harlan Co; d.1986 Lawrence Co, OH); and (3) French "Sam" RATLIFF (who married Lou). [Henry RATLIFF was reputed to have one of the first cars in Harlan County. One day, when he was driving along, a black man jumped up on the side of the car, and Henry just pulled out his gun and shot him. Not family history to be proud of, to be sure ... but these antecdoates could help in researching, so I mention it here.] Mary Jane's daughter, Dossie May RATLIFF, was reputedly the spelling champion of Harlan County around 1930. She is reputed to have received a scholarship to University of KY, but elected to get married rather than attend college. Sketchy details, at best, but hopefully someone out there will be able to provide that crucial clue to my puzzle. TIA, - Debi Lyons Lewis http://members.aol.com/DLewis0991/roots.html