I hope the Graham's are rolling over in their graves ...... if they could have only known the confusion they caused by using the same names over and over and over. Pronounced GRIMES, they are said to have come down from PA between 1747 and 1800. By the Spring of 1749, the twenty families included James Sr., James Jr., Richard, & John Graham, Catheys and James Marl'in (later changed to Martin) According to the separate wills of Richard Graham died Feb. 13, 1779, son Joseph was alive & wife Agnes will probated 1792 she mentions son Joseph & his wife Elioner. Feb 4, 1788 "ordered that James Marlin, Espr. be appointed guardian of Rachael & Allen Graham orphans of Joseph Graham, deceased". Would the children be considered orphans if the mother was alive but unable to care for them? If any sons were old enough could they have stayed on the land with the mother and only the younger ones live with aunts, uncles or grandparents? Nancy Marlin, wife of James, died in 1803, named her granddaughter Eleanor in her will. I am looking for Joseph Graham born abt 1750, married Eleanor Martin abt 1770, she was born abt 1758. Children: Eleanor b 1771, married James B. Knox, Allen b between 1772-1777, probably Joseph, Jr, b 1778, Rachel b abt 1787, married Thomas Williamson after May1804. Did they have a sister Else? Book 38 page 523, Feb 5, 1849, Joseph Graham - - no wife signs -- lets George M. Lyerly (both of Rowan Co., NC) have 150 acres on Back Creek next Thomas Todd, John Gibson, & Widow Gillespie, for $75.00. Witnessed by J.S. Johnson Aug 1849. (The amout may not be exact, but it is what my father, Joseph Graham lived upon & willed me & my sister & two brothers). That would mean there were 5 living children at that time. I wish he had named his brothers and sisters or if I could find the will to know if this is a different Joseph. Would a son be 21 to be willed land or could it have been held in trust till he was of age? I believe this parcel of land to be near where Furgus Graham lived and I believe Furgus also had a son Joseph. If anyone has sorted these people out, I would appriciate any help. Nina