Cousins, I have had something in the back of my mind that I want to pass on. Concerning anyone that says their ancestor was born in SC, I don't remember the date but there was much controversy over the actual boundary of the state line between NC and SC. It is a gray area, where some honestly believed they were in one state or the other, when in truth they were placed in the other state by the state line. Even today, there are places that refuse to abide by the division. Also the mention of Irish Spence's caused me to remember a book that I saw once. the only Spence in it was a 100% Irishman in SC who founded a large line of Spences. the book was by David ? and was entitled as close as I can remember "Irish Settlers of America" and there were 2 volumes. this book is for sale from the genealogical publishing companies. It is advertised in the Genealogical Helper and it wasn't too long ago that I saw it advertised. i found it in my library and saw Spence in the index and read the chapter. Seems like the man's name was Samuel Spence. The reason I was reading it was for a chapter it had on Burke's Garden of Tazewell Co. VA. Also Isaac Spence of GA has the state of SC surrounding him sometimes when he is mentioned. The Maryland line had 3 sons who moved to the coastal area of NC, which at that time still included SC, I think. I believe that there were some descendants of that line who migrated south into SC. Isaac runs heavy in that line. From my experience when you are at a brickwall, start learning about the neighbors and the community as a whole. There is a common denominator somewhere. Too many times I have been stuck on a man who just wandered in from out of nowhere. I study where his neighbors and friends came from and everytime, I have found his surname along with his neighbors ,back in the other location. In early, early tax lists, which predate a census, most young men didn't even own a horse. ( They were expensive.) So, I don't think they walked all alone 200 miles. I like to think he hitchhiked a ride in somebody's wagon. Especially back before 1760. They migrated in groups...... I've often thought also that the naming of the county could be a clue. Why do so many counties have the same bloomin' name ? You have Burke Co. NC and Burke Co. NC. There is Tazewell VA and Tazewell here and there. I noticed that there was a large migration from Rowan Co. NC to Roane Co. TN. Just a thought ! Carolyn