I'm researching the Bazzell family (among others) in Hardin county. My mother's great uncle was William T. Bazzell, son of Harris Jones Bazzell and Sarah W. Sawyers. He was married to Nellie Jane Smith, daughter of John Groves Smith and Mentie Johnson. I just discovered who her parents were because I sent for her social security application. According to the application, her mother was "Mentie Johnson" and her father was John Groves Smith. Nellie was born May 8, 1885. I discovered the family of John G. Smith (including Nellie J. as daughter) living right next to the Harris Jones Bazzell family in the 1900 census. John G. Smith was head of house, and living with his second wife, Sarah. He was born Sept. 1858 in MO and his parents were both born in VA. Children listed were: Nonnie, dau, b. April 1883, b. MS Nellie J. dau, b. May 1885, b. TN Norah L. dau, b. Sept. 1889 b. TN Josie A., dau. B. July 1893 b. TN David D. son, March 1895 b. TN Leula L, dau, Oct. 1899 b. TN According the census, John and Sarah were married 12 years, making the two oldest children, the children of Mentie, not Sarah. Any information on this Smith family would be appreciated, especially since my grandfather's sister also married a Smith, wondering if there is a connection. My grandfather, Garland Shipman b. 1907 had an older sister, Ethel, who married Edd Smith in Counce, Pickwick area. Thanks! Beryl Reid

I am trying to find parents of Laban Kelley b. 1797 in SC. Laban married Tirzah Christan b. 1803 in Elbert County, GA. Tirzah was the daughter of Nancy Higginbotham and Jesse George Christian. I suspect that Laban's father was Elijah Kelley b. abt. 1755 in NC d. abt 1800 SC. Children: Elijah b. abt. 1781 Spartenburgh County, SC Garrett b. abt. 1791 Spartenburgh County, SC Ephraim b. abt. 1795 Spartenburgh County, SC (married Jane Higginbotham) Elisha b. abt. 1795 Spartenburgh County, SC (married Dolly Higginbotham) **I believe that Laban b. 1797 SC fits in here**(married Tirzah Christian, daughter of Nancy Higginbotham) Joseph b. abt. 1801 Spartenburgh County, SC (married Dicy Higginbotham) Several things lead me to believe that my Laban Kelley is connected to Elijah: Elijah had several children who married into the Higginbotham family of Elbert County, GA, and my Laban married a daughter of Nancy Higginbotham of Elbert County. Elijah's children were born in Spartanburgh County, SC between the years 1781 and 1801. My Laban Kelley was born August 8, 1797 in SC. Elijah had several children who moved from SC to Perry County, Tennessee in the early 1820's. My Laban Kelley is listed on the 1830 Perry County census and on the 1832 Perry County Tax List. Also, my Laban Kelley's first 3 children were born in Tennessee, possibly one or more being born in Hardin County. Elijah's family has recurring names within the family. Some of these names are Elijah, Riley, Nancy, and Joseph. These same names recur in my Laban Kelley's family. Finally, my Laban named his first born son Jesse George after his wife's father, his second born son was named Elijah (after his own father???), and his third born son Laban Christopher after himself. His first born daughter was named Nancy Teresa after his mother-in-law and his wife. Please let me know your thoughts on this. I would appreciate any input anyone might have.