This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: FVHastings Surnames: Messer, Shelton, Smith, Patterson Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.tennessee.counties.hawkins/384.390.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am interested in the Messers from at least four perspectives: (1) my Hastings line goes back to Orange County, NC; (2) I am also descended from the Sheltons of Pittsylvania County, VA, from whom John Shelton (husband of Catherine Messer) is descended; (3) Rebecca Smith, who married William Messer in Hawkins County, TN in 1853, is my third great-aunt; and (4) I am also related to the Pattersons of Hawkins CO, TN. Most of the secondary Internet sources claim (or suggest) that Catherine Messer is the daughter of Christian Sargent Messer, and that William Messer is the son of Catherine's brother Michael. But Christian Messer's will does not mention either Catherine or Michael. I wonder if Michael and Catherine Messer are descended from the "other" Christian Messer you have mentioned in your posts. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.