In a message dated 6/2/2000 8:27:46 AM Central Daylight Time, Roberta writes: << This William Sharp was born in VA about 1790 or '91. He married Sarah Sally HANCOCK, b. about 1799,NC, but I do not know where they were married. So far I have not been able to find a marriage record in Bedford County TN where they were living in 1850 and earlier, but perhaps they married in another Tennessee county or even in North Carolina, where Sarah Hancock's parents lived in Bute Co. NC before moving to Wilson Co. TN. >> and asks if I see a connection to the William Sharp who is brother to my ancestor Edward Sharp of Botetourt County, Va. No, Roberta, I do not believe he is the brother. My Edward died in 1770 and William was involved in settling his estate. So your William would not be old enough. However, I have no further information on this Uncle William, so it is possible that he sired your William...or even that he was the grandfather! The only clue I can give you is to look in Botetourt County for any records of a William Sharp who was living there at the time of my ancestor Edward's death in 1770 and trace from there if you can. Sometimes we have to trace backwards and sometimes forward to see where theses lines meet. Good luck, and let me know if you find anything. love joan