This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ncB.2ACE/1466.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Thank you for the information on the will of Amelia Ann Stokes Appleby. Over a year ago, it appeared to me that William Preston Appleby was a son of David and Amelia Stokes Appleby. On page 219 of SADDLE SOLDIERS is a letter written to Elizabeth Boulware Stokes by Capt. Appleby. He refers to Elizabeth as "My Dear Aunt," which seemed to confirm that Colonel Stokes was Appleby's uncle and that Amelia Stokes Appleby was the colonel's sister. It appeared to me this past summer that my conclusion about William Appleby being a son of David C. Appleby may have incorrect. DR. J. J. Stokes of Atlanta, Georgia in HENRY STOKES OF COLLETON COUNTY indciated that William Preston Appleby was a son of James Preston Appleby and his first wife. According to Dr. Stokes, James Appleby's second wife was Eleanor Stokes. I don't know the relationship of Eleanor to William Stokes and Amelia Stokes Appleby. William and Amelia did have a sister named Eleanor who was the first wife of Richard B. Spell. Eleanor was only 23 years old when she passed away in January 1852. Richard's second wife was Adaline Risher sister of Captain Joseph Koger Risher. After reading your posting, checked the 1850 and 1860 census. In 1850, David C. Appleby and Amelia A. Appleby are shown to have a son named Wm., age 14. Also, Sarah age 13 is shown. In 1850, James Appleby is shown married to Mary Ann and they had 4 children none was named William. In 1860, William Appleby aged 24, student, is shown in the household of D. C. Appleby and Amelia. James Appleby was listed as J. P. Appleby in 1860 and was still married to Mary A. Amelia Appleby's will and the 1850/1860 census indicate that William Preston Appleby was the son of David and Amelia Appleby. Over a year ago, I concluded that Sarah Appleby Risher, wife of Richard Risher, Jr. was a sister of William Appleby. Dr. J. J. Stokes' information would make one conclude that they were cousins but it appears his conclusion is incorrect.