In a message dated 4/30/00 10:49:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time, madamx@trellis.net writes: << Can you tell me more about this line? I know nothing more than Isham's name! With all the Isham's in my line, I've been curious about him. Thanks, Jeannie >> According to the Franklin Co VA Register of Deaths, Isham Belcher died in September 1857 at the age of 83. His birthplace is listed as Amelia Co VA. In his will, dated July 25, 1856, ten children are listed. They are as follows: Harrison C. Belcher (m. Dec 15, 1842 to Susan E. Hunt) Martha Belcher (m. John Haundley) Elizabeth Belcher (m. Sept 1, 1841 to John D. Barrow) Matthew C. Belcher (m. Nov 5, 1842 to Martha Zeigler dau. of John Zeigler) Isham Belcher Jr. (m. Feb 5, 1849 to Melissa Belcher) William Belcher (m. March 1853 to Lucinda Belcher dau. of William C. Belcher and Celia Ann White) John Belcher Charlotte T. Belcher Sally Belcher (m. Nov 4, 1850 to John W. Meredith) Nancy Belcher (m. April 1, 1833 to Elias Belcher) The will refers to Nancy as deceased with her portion of the estate left to her children. Isham married Martha "Patsy" Mitchell on Jan. 4, 1836. All marriage dates are found in Marshall Wingfield's Marriage Bonds of Franklin County. Martha died on October 9, 1853 at the age of 60. This is where I have hit a wall. I haven't found any record of a marriage prior to Martha Mitchell. It appears that at least nine and perhaps ten of the children were born prior to Isham's marriage to Martha. Was she the mother or was there a spouse prior to Martha? If anyone has any information that might shed some light on this I would greatly appreciate your help. Barbara