As a researcher of several counties in Kentucky [from Madison Co. westward and southward], I have found that frequently I am able to distinguish persons of the same surname from one another by referring to the land records, sometimes even from the grantor and/or grantee indexes alone--which, of course, whets my appetite to know more. Of course, with the females, unless they were rather wealthy, they frequently remarried, and the new husband took over the financial and land affairs. I see that the Family History Library has a number of films of deeds of Bourbon Co., KY. I have found that because modern-day searchers frequently use the land records (title searchers, attorneys, et al), these deed indexes are frequently typed and fairly easy to read, as most of the time [I found an exception in one county] these surnames are alphabetized in both the grantor and grantee deeds. One well-known researcher/author/lecturer has made the statement that about 90% of the white population of the US owned land, and therefore the land records are VERY important. In later years, commissioners deeds in KY help to answer relationship problems. Evidently this law came into effect in the 1830s, but seemingly not earlier. The court frequently appointed a commissioner to help the heirs settle their differences. When the survivors come to an agreement, then all the surviving heirs seem to sign the deed. I especially look for deed index entries which have the notations "& c" meaning others, et al, and Hrs [heirs] after the surname. Also, you want to look in the last columns as to whether there is a power of attorney. Frequently someone who lives out of the district/state gives someone a power of attorney, and it may be filed in the county in which it was executed. The power of attorney gives some information frequently about the residence of the maker of the power of attorney. Another clue: in the early land records/indexes, there frequently is a reference to a watercourse. For example, in Madison Co.: 100A on Otter Creek. Well, if you have time, collect all those folks on Otter Creek. You may find they are in-laws, cousins, uncles, grandpaws, etc, or they soon may be!!! Remember, folks didn't have great roads in those days, and their main transportation MAY have been creeks, rivers, etc. Not always, but frequently. How are you going to get that tobacco to market? I hope this may help you solve some genealogical problems. Oliver should be an easier name to research than Harris, Williams, Rose, which are only some of the common names in my families. (No, I cannot answer everyone who has a problem with a common surname--so don't ask!) E.W.Wallace