I am looking for the parents of Gray William Thomas, born 1808 in Wake Co. NC. He married Esther Marshburn (various spellings) in 1834 in Wake County. He is also found in Johnston Co. NC in the 1830 and 1840 census. In 1830 he is living with what may be his mother and brother. In 1840 he has married and has a wife and four children.(His location in Johnston Co. could be the same place as in Wake Co. as this is the period when counties were being formed and his township in each is very near the countyline.) He and Esther are found in Randolph Co. AR in the 1850 census. It has been suggested by one researcher that his father's name may be Oliver. My family history says, "Gray built the first stone courthouse in NC." A search of the census 1790 - 1810 in Johnston Co. NC, suggests his father may be John and possible mother Mary in the 1820 census. A search in Wake Co. NC census reveals, 1790 - James, 1800 - James and Oliver. Oliver is btw 16&26 and could be the son of James. Also in 1800 are John, Richard, William, William Jr., Morgan, and Barrey. The Marshburn and Thomas names appear in Wake Co. in the census of 1800, 1830, 1840, 1850. Among them is Esther's father, Daniel Marshburn, Wake Co. 1800 census. His pension for the Rev. War states he located in Wake Co. NC, Mack's Creek in 1797 and is on the tax list from 1797 - 1845. He is married to Delphia Warren. If you see a connection please let me know. This is my brick wall. Gava