I have been working on my family genealogy for over twenty years, and have gotten a long way, especially since I have joined several mail list that are involved in like activities. I have hit a brick wall, on the research of one of the Jesse E. Markham's Children, and need help. My great great grandfather, Jesse E. Markham 1808-1900, who lived on Jennings Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia, and the assumed son of Nathaniel E. Markham, had seven children. His first daughter and third child was Mary Susan Markham, born Abt. 1837, and married ? Gilmore. In a Land Deed dated June 21, 1899, just one year before his death, Jesse E. Markham deeded Mary Susan Gilmore, approximately sixty (60) acres of his home place on Jennings creek, as reward for her , and I quote, faithfully care for me, and the nursing of my wife Mary Markham now deceased, end quote, providing that she continue to live with and care for him during the remainder of his life. This deed also names as a third party to this transaction, Aubrey Russell Watts, an infant son of the said Mary Susan Gilmore. As per this deed information, Aubrey Russell Watts was born on the 25th of October, 1895. This deed goes on to say that if Mary Susan Gilmore dies before her son Aubrey Russell Watts! attains the age of twenty one, he is to take possession of this land until he reaches 21 years of age, at which time the land will laps to the remaining heirs of Jesse E. Markham. As you can see, this land was never ment to stay in the possession of Mary Susan Gilmore or Aubrey Ryssell Watts after their death, but to revert to the Sisters and Brothers of Mary Susan Gilmore. I have spent over eight months, with the help of several of my fellow researchers, trying to find out who this son of Mary Susan Gilmore was, and why he was named Watts. Also we have been trying to find out who this Gilmore person was that Mary Susan Markham married. In all of the census records that we have looked at, there has been no mention of any of these persons living together or being anyway connected. A few facts that you may find interesting and helpful, are as follows: 1.- Mary Susan Gilmore was a co-signer with JND Markham on a land sale of property to the Federal Government in the forming of The Jefferson Notional Forrest in the early 1920's with Aubrey Russell Watts, as one of the witness's to this deed. This land was part of that left to Mary Susan Gilmore by Jesse E. Markham. 2.- In the 1880 VA soundex Jesse Markham 72 bc. 1808 6-13-7-9 (census indicates born c. 1808 Washington co, VA.) residing with him Susan Watts 21 (born Bedford co, Va.) Charles Markham (Note: This census info. came from Pamela Hutchison Garrett) 3.- In 1900 VA. soundex Markham J. E. 7-49-17-94 white, Mar 1808, 92 Botetourt Co., Buchanan Lives Alone (Note: Where has Mary Susan Gilmore gone?, Where is Aubrey Russell Watts? 4.- Jesse Solomon Markham, Mary Susan Markham Gilmore's brother named his first male child Aubrey Russell Markham born 1871. Was named in census of 1880 as second child, Note: could have died as a child, not in 1900 soundex. Was Aubrey Russell Watts named after Aubrey Russell Markham? I need help from anyone who might have any information, on any aspect of this investigation. As I said at first we have hit a brick wall, and do not know where to go from here. You can reach me at markm@ictransnet.com Thank You, Tommy Markham