Hello, I'm researching the family of John PRESTON and wife Betsy/Elizabeth RUNNELS (both b.ca.1800, both dec'd ca. 1849), who moved to McNairy Co. from Franklin Co. in 1830. The PRESTON farm was situated in Range 5, Section 2, of McNairy Co. Family lore states John PRESTON was murdered by one Henry Jones CARTER, who then fled to TX with one of John's daughters and they were married. I have yet to find parents for John PRESTON. Betsy/Elizabeth RUNNELS was a daughter of Moses RUNNELS and wife Susannah, who res. Franklin Co. from abt. 1819. Moses RUNNELS died in 1827 and his widow removed to McNairy Co. (farmed on Cypress Creek) in 1830 until she died in 1859. Children of John & Betsy PRESTON (all b. TN): Mary Caroline, b.1822 -- marr. Henry Jones CARTER ca.1849 (Allegedly murdered John PRESTON), fled to TX. Susan, b.1823 -- marr. Elbert A./H. HOUSTON ca. 1844 Pumphrey V., b. 1824 -- Appointed guardian of (4) minor siblings in 1854, then moved to Titus Co., TX before 1860 -- marr. 1) Polly; 2) Mrs. S.E. Thompson -- Moved to Hopkins Co., TX by 1870. Ephram Callie, b. ca.1825 -- marr. Catherine --- to Titus Co.,TX by 1860; in Hopkins Co., TX by 1870. William P./R., b. ca. 1832 -- marr. Clarinda? (unconfirmed) Isaac Reid, b. ca. 1834 -- marr. 1) Mary Ann McDONNELL ca. 1855 (dau. of Thomas & Lucinda McDONNELL of McNairy Co.) -- she d. before 1859; marr. 2) Her sister, Susan McDONNELL WILSON (a widow) in 1859, McNairy Co. Moved to Hopkins Co., TX, between 1870 & 1880. Johnson A., b.1835 --- marr. Nancy Elizabeth BOWMAN in Titus Co., TX. (Moved to Titus Co., TX, ca. 1855 with brother/guardian, Pumphrey PRESTON) James Logan, b. 1837 --- marr. Mahala CAUDLE in Titus Co., TX (also moved with Pumphrey et al) Martha Elizabeth, b. 1840 --- marr. Bryant Van Buren McCARTY, Titus Co., TX (also moved with Pumphrey et al) Malvina J., b. 1844/5 I have additional information on the offspring of many of the PRESTON children listed above. Best regards, Julie Preston anpreston@msn.com