----- Original Message ----- From: Shirley Simms To: TNRUTHER-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2001 12:03 AM Subject: Belinda RUCKER MARTIN, and her daughter America Jane MARTIN born TN 1830 Hallo to the List, My 3x ggrandparents- Lewis Graves Martin, born 1793 in VA, married Belinda ? America Rucker in Rutherford Co, TN Sept 1816. They were in Jefferson Co TN 1830 Census, and Cannon Co TN, 1840 Census. They had approx 5 sons and 2 daughters. The girls were youngest, America Jane Martin, born TN abt 1830, and Joyce/Joicia Ann, born abt 1834. Belinda Rucker died between 1834 and 1939, and Lewis remarried, to Alice Conn in 1839. They had one son, Richard Hamilton Martin born abt 1840. By 1850 Census Lewis and Alice had moved to Lincoln Co, MO. I would like to find more information about Belinda Rucker Martin, her parentage, and her daughters America and Joyce. I am wondering if Joyce died young, and America, my 2x great grandmother, led a very chequered life, which I would be delighted to unravel. The family legend says that America eloped while very young, with her schoolmaster from the girl's school she attended. There is a possibility the schoolteacher's name was Yancey. Could the school have been in Cannon/Rutherford Co TN? I would be very pleased if someone could cast some light on the mystery, and look forward to receiving any help or advice. Thank you in advance if you are able to help, Regards, Shirley Massie Simms, Kent, England