Stan, In 1790 Virginia included what are now Kentucky and West Virginia. The Federal census of 1790 was lost for all Virginia counties, and the 1800 was lost for all counties except Accomack and Louisa. Later Wythe County was carved into several counties, including Bland, Wythe, Carroll, and parts of Tazewell, Smythe, Grayson, Giles, Pulaski, and Carroll. Source: MAP GUIDE TO THE U.S. FEDERAL CENSUSES, 1790-1920, William Thorndale and William Dolarhide. It is possible there are still some old Wythe County documents in the archives of any of these counties. The fact that several of his children were born in Virginia even after he went to Tennessee tends to indicate they were probably located near what became the KY/TN border, making it possible for Peter to visit home periodically. This would make Grayson Co., VA (carved from the old Wythe County, VA by 1800) particularly suspect. I would check Grayson first, then all the other mentioned counties for a Last Will and Testament naming Margaret as a daughter or even as a sister in some cases. If no Will is found there might be other property transferred in the Deeds and other land transactions. These are long shots but if you have tried everything else you have nothing to lose but your time. Best of luck, Anna Bertram ----- Original Message ----- From: Stan Arney To: tnfentre@rootsweb.com Anna, Hi, in reply to your statement, "If you give me a specific example I will try to give you ideas on where to look." Peter Arney, my first ancestor to settle in Tennessee. He was born in 1772, in Tryon County, North Carolina. Between 1790-1793, he moved to the area of Wythe County, Virginia, where he married his wife, Margaret (surname unknown), and began his family. Several of his children were born, in Virginia, even after he went to the Tennessee area. Around 1799, he moved to the Cumberland area, between Kentucky and (what would become) Tennessee. In 1801, he was in Smith County, Tennessee (where his name is on a petition to halt the annexation of Smith & Wilson Counties to form a new county), which obviously failed. In 1802, his name was on the 1802 Tax Roll for Jackson County, Tennessee. In 1814, he purchased 300 acres of land, in Overton County, Tennessee, from John Sevier. In 1820, his name first appears on the 1820 US Federal Census, State of Tennessee, County of Overton (as well as 1830 & 1840). He died in 1845, in Overton County, Tennessee. I have been unable to find any, what I term "DTP" (Definitive Tangible Proof) of Peter Arney, in Wythe County, Virginia. No marriage records, no birth/baptism records, no tax rolls, no land deals (purchases/sales), etc. The only marriage record, I have ever found, in Wythe County, Virginia, for a Peter Arney, is to a Catherine Fox, in 1827. My Peter Arney, was already established, in Overton County, Tennessee. Therefore, I have never been able to find anything on his wife, Margaret. What would you suggest? Thank you, for your time, consideration, and cooperation, I truly appreciate it. Sincerely, Stan