Looking for any information on Joel DeShields who lived in Bedford County in the 1830-40s. His wife was possibly Charity. Believe his son to be Josiah DeShields (name spelled various ways on different census). Looking for Descendants of Josiah DeShields. We believe our family and Josiah's family are connected. In 1835-1838, William, Handy, John and possibly their sister, Elizabeth left for Oregon as the story was told. When reaching Arkansas, one of the brothers wife's was having difficulty with childbirth and it was decided to stay the winter in Lead Hill (then Dubuque), Arkansas and to continue on in the spring. The land was plentiful with game and the soil fertile and lots of springs and creeks. Land grants were obtained and Handy lived his life in Lead Hill area. William continued on to Oregon. John we believe lived his life in Carroll County, Arkansas. I have many documents on this families life. I would like to obtain proof that Joel is William, Handy, and John's father or prove he isn't. He lived next door to Elizabeth McBride in one census and William married Martha McBride who was the daughter of John and Elizabeth McBride. Willing to share information on these family lines and more. Just a note, if your family was in Bedford County in the early 1800s, be sure and check Marion County, Boone County, and Carroll County, Arkansas. I just made a trip to Bedford County and many of the names there on record are also prominent names in the Arkansas counties. Thanks, Reta DeShields Parton 1808 W Huntsville Springdale, AR 72762 1-479-751-6947 rpsodapop@aol.com daughter of D W DeShields & Cora Irene Hamilton DeShields granddaughter of Dennie DeShields and Ruby Lee Austin DeShields gggranddaughter of John Wesley DeShields and Frankey Green DeShields ggggrandaughter of Handy DeShields and Nancy Womack DeShields