I am new to the list. I am researching the family of one of my maternal gr. grandmothers. Melvina Annette STEPHENS/DANE and John Henderson RIGGS were marr. 9 Apr. 1874, Steelville, Crawford Co., MO. Melvina is listed along with her father, James STEPHENS, siblings, and I assume to be her mother. Family researchers state that the wife listed in 1850 census is a second wife. 1850 federal census, Civil Dist., #7, Bedford Co., TN., Family #169: STEPHENS, James 42 Miller b. NC “ Elizabeth 24 b. TN “ Thomas 17 b. TN. " John 15 b. TN “ Eliza Jane 13 b. TN “ Ester C. 11 b. TN “ James 2 b. TN “ Melvina 3/12 b. TN (My gr. grandmother) The Marriage Certificate issue to John H. and Melvina A., in Crawford Co., MO., shows her name as Sapens(Stephens)/Dane. Research from MO., shows that her father died in abt. 1863 in Lawrence Co., MO. We believe there was a connection between the Stephens and Dane families, and that Melvina lived with the Dane family in Crawford Co., MO., prior to her marriage. I have found one DANE family in Bedford Co. Is there a connection? 1850 federal census, Civil Dist., #2, Bedford Co., TN., Family #140: DANE, Micajih 26 Merchant b. TN “ Margaret 23 b. TN “ Matt 1 b. TN “ James D. 17 Clerk in store b. TN (probably a brother of Micajih) A few years ago my husband and I were returning to Nashville airport from McNairy Co., and Shiloh National Military Park and went through Shelbyville via Fayetteville. We then spent the night at Murfreesboro and visited Stone’s River National Battlefield. Had I known then what I know now, I could have made a stop at the Bedford Co., Court House. So close. I look forward to learning more about Bedford Co., and hopefully someone can help me in my quest for information on my Stephens ancestors. “So many questions, so few answers” Marketta in Madera, geographical center of CA.