Good morning, Everyone! I am new to the list, having just found out the (possible) maiden name(s) of my maternal gg-grandmother, Mary, and wouldn't you know the lady with the common given name has a common maiden name, as well. Talk about a challenge! Something tells me I'll be banging my head against a wall quite often. So, what do I know about Mary? Well, I know she was born about 1815 in NC, and that she died on 19 January 1878 in Davidson County, NC. I know too she was the wife of Eli TURNER, and the couple had 5 known children, William Lee (1840), Mary Jane (1842), John Spencer (1847), Ann M. E. (1850) and Martha S. "Patsy" (1857), all born in Davidson Co., NC. According to John Spencer's death record, Mary's maiden name was Williams. According to her daughter Martha's, it was Williamson and she was born in Moore Co., NC. For those who don't know, Moore is a burned county, challenge #2. So far, I have had no luck in finding a marriage record for Mary, but Eli was born and raised in the area of Davidson Co. that was in Rowan up until just after his birth, and my thinking is they married someplace around there, but there is no bond to prove this, and no church record, yet I am unrealistically hopeful about the latter. And, now that you know what I know, here is what I'd like to know: Who are Mary's parents? Where was Mary born? When did Mary marry Eli? And any clues, advice or, ya know, whatever, is appreciated! Have a great day! :-) Sincerely, Lee Anders -- Cemetery Photography & Research http://www.timelesstombstones.com Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness Pass the favor on: http://www.raogk.org The Family History of Bob & Lee Anders Temporarily offline. Will return Jan 2006.