Thanks Francis for the informative citations on the "Obediahs" of Surry and Wilkes Counties NC. Whether or not any of these Obediah's belong to me, I am curious. Why was William Thompson appointed guardian of little Obed and sister Jane when there were other older male siblings nearby who should have been appointed? Wasn't Abigail (their mother) still alive? Also, why was William Thompson ordered by the court to sell Obed's slaves and then he bought Obed's plantation? This is most curious. Have any thoughts on this? Is there more to this story that we haven't yet heard? Sorry, I love history. Sammie Leap