Doinfg a little cross-posting here for my "mystery of the day" Ludwell P Watts was born in GA 4/24/1807. He appears on the 1850 census as unmarried. On 12/19/1854 he has a son born in Wilcox Co named Malcome McMillan Watts. On 4/26/1857 he has a son born in Wilcox Co named Richard Albert Watts. In August of 1857 he married Mary Myrick and begins having children by her in Pine Apple, Monroe Co. I'm looking for Ludwell's first wife (or proof that these 1st two children were Mary Myrick's prior to their marriage!) I need help! Does anyone have access to census, marriage, or death records for either county between 1850 and 1860? Or cemetery records for a female Watts (married name) for 1857? (My theory is that she died in childbirth with Richard--or shortly afterward, and Ludwell married a neighbor or in-law or church member soon afterward.. ) Are there McMillans on the 1850 census near Ludwell (guessing from 1st child's name!)? Is there a marriage record in Wilcox or Monroe (do they exist?) between 1850 and 1854? Do the Myrick's show up on the census for 1850? While I'm at it, Malcome married Mary "Susan" Philpot 2/5/1878 place unknown. Richard married Sally Jane Cates ca 1878 place unknown. Can anyone do a lookup for these marriages in Wilcox or Monroe Co? Even if they're not there, it would help to rule those places out! Were there newspaper records for that period? I'm wondering if a newspaper marriage record might list a late mother! What records are available for this period? Can anyone help me out with this mystery? Any suggestions out there? I'd really appreciate any help--this is my dad's Most Wanted ancestor and I'd love to find out anything! Even if it's just ruling things out... Thanks! Cyndi in Baltimore