Question: In Hardeman Co. TN in 1830, was Jesse Carter b.1779 NC related to his nearby neighbor John Carter b.1779-80? And further, were either Jesse or John Carter related to Synthia Carter, alleged wife of Francis Shoemake of same county? (1) 1830 Hardeman Co. TN Census, the following Carters were close neighbors to each other: Page 339: Line 15: Jesse Carter (b.1779 NC, d.1847 Hardeman Co.TN) Line19: Samuel Owens Jr. (Jesse's dau. Polly is his wife, m.1829) Line 20: Samuel Owens Sr. Line 21: John Carter (b.1770-80 per this census) Line 23: Ebenezer Carter (son of above Jesse Carter) Page 343: Line 16: Green B. Carter (son of above Jesse Carter) Line 17: Francis Shoemake (wife Synthia Carter of Greene Co. TN Carters?*) *Note: Per someone else's information on the internet, Francis Shoemake's wife was Synthia Carter, daughter of James Carter b.1768 (wife Phoebe Ballard), son of John Carter Sr. of the Greene Co. TN Carters. So, what we have here are either coincidences of different Carter families (i.e., John Carter, Synthia Carter) living next door or nearby to Jesse Carter and his children at the same time, or else perhaps there is a connection between Jesse Carter, John Carter and Synthia Carter? And are they the Greene Co.TN Carters or another group entirely? Also, there are business dealings in the 1830s in Hardeman courthouse records between Thomas K. Carter and Francis Shoemake (possible husband of Synthia Carter). Also, Thomas K. Carter and Green B. Carter (Jesse's son) seemed to be engaged in similar land transactions at the same time. Don't know how Thomas K. Carter is related to anyone, though some have him in the list of Jesse Carter's children. A few things about Jesse Carter and children: Jesse Carter had several children who are named as his heirs in Hardeman County courthouse records: Green B., Robert S., Wm.E.D., Ebenezer, Allen, Griffin, Jesse Jr., Polly (Owens), Mahina (Bailey), and Syrena (Crews). Some people add the names John, Ambrose and Thomas K. to the list of Jesse's children, but I don't know what evidence they have for that (note: if someone could tell me, would appreciate it). Those three names do appear on the Hardeman County census in 1830: John (above mentioned but too old to be Jesse's son); Thomas K. (page 344, b.1800-1810); and Ambrose (page 349, b.1790-1800. Allen Carter (same as Allen son of Jesse?) b.1790-1800 is on the Hardeman census in 1830, page 349, same page as Ambrose. Regarding Ambrose, looks like he was the Ambrose Carter in Fayette Co. TN in 1840, and that his widow Martha J. was still there in 1850, and further that Ambrose died of cholera in Jan. 1850. (2) JAMES CARTER in Hardeman Co. Deed Records 1830s: I went through the entire Hardeman County TN census for 1830 and did not see a JAMES CARTER listed (though could have missed a name of course). However, in 1831 in Hardeman County, a Lewis Bolt sold land to a James Carter. Lewis Bolt is on the 1830 Hardeman Census, page 345. In 1837, Samuel McFarland sold land to James Carter. The one in 1837 could possibly be my ancestor James Carter (b.1815 NC), but the one in 1831 would not be. Also, in 1862 there is a Hardeman Co. TN will for JAMES CARTER who names his wife Malvina but doesn't give his children's names, names his brother-in-law George S. Armstead, and also says James was an heir to a John Mosby of Virginia. Also, in 1860, a J.M. Hackney gave a gift to his daughter MARY ANN CARTER, which gift was witnessed by JAMES B. CARTER and John F. Armsted. The father and daughter were in different counties: one in Madison, one in Hardeman; it is unclear to me which was where. Question: Who is the James Carter who bought land in 1831? Is there any chance he is the alleged father of Synthia Carter wife of Francis Shoemake and son of John Carter Sr. of Green Co. TN? The information I saw said that Synthia's father James Carter (b.1768) went to Fannin County, TX in the late 1830s. Would appreciate any information, enlightenment, discussion of any of the above. Would like to know if Jesse Carter and John Carter were connected, and if any of them were connected to Synthia Carter wife of Francis Shoemake. Have some information on Jesse's children, but could always use more. Thanks, Sharon Hitt cedarsage@comcast.net or nannyhitt@yahoo.com