Heather, I haven't been on the McDowell Co. list very long, but I noticed you're looking for the surname Smith ... What branch are you researching? My Smith relatives in McDowell were originally from KY, and I am at a standstill finding my GGF, Sandy Smith. Here's a quick rundown of my family line: My Father Alfred Smith 1932 - GF Raleigh Walter Smith 1900 KY - 1963 WV Married Hattie Hicks (my GM) and Cora Sopcher GGF Sandy Smith 1873 - 1905 KY Married Minnie Gray 1879-1940 WV The belief was that Sandy Smith's family came from KY, and that my GGF was accidentally killed in a shooting match in Wallins Creek, Harlan Co. KY. I cannot find him on the 1900 (or any) census, however, and so I can't trace any further. It was believed that Sandy was the oldest of 4 brothers, including twins Hickman and Pittman (who were redheadded) and Ballard. I can find an occasional Ballard, but none of the ages match... If any of this sounds familiar to you-or anyone...I'd appreciate it. Also, if anyone is researching the name, Hicks, I have a ton of info on it, going back from WV to KY to VA 1700's. Sandy Smith Danielewicz Looking for Smith, Hicks, Brown, Gray, Turner, Hughes, Lowe, Lane? in WV, KY, VA and other southern states