Do you have famous ancestors? Diane and I would love for you to share your information with this group. To make this easier we are suspending the rule of only discussing members of your direct line. If you are a Smith but your famous ancestor is a Jones that is OK for this discussion. We want you to feel free to join in and let us all enjoy some interesting stories. Who will be first? Jim and Diane

With the New Year I hope we can get back to our family research. You are encouraged to send in your questions, comments and any related information you would like to share. Best wishes, Jim and Diane

John Hanes died in Charlotte Co, VA in 1816 leaving a will naming his children and his wife, Phebe I am told her maiden name was Phebe Brizendine, but I have no documentation for that. Can anyone help me? May I help you in Bedford County, TN? Carolyn Odle Smotherman

First of all, To all of you who are involved in the "front lines" of this corona virus war - Thank You for all you are doing. Without you we would be in dire straits. Secondly, Diane and I thought it would be a good thing to share what is happening in your locations as far as showing appreciation to everyone involved in fighting the spread of this horrendous pandemic that has plagued the world. Please feel free to share what your community is doing in that regard. We have all seen the firefighters gathered to applaud the health workers. Diane says that she and her neighbors stand outside their doors and clap for the health workers. She suggests singing (to the tune of "Happy Birthday") the following: Thank you very much, Thank you very much, Thank you front line workers, Thank you very much. What ideas do you have? What have you witnessed in your communities? We are together in this and shall come out of it stronger. Jim "Pops" Jackson and Diane Sowden

Charlotte County, VA Connections My husband, James Smotherman, was the great-great-grandson of Josiah E. Stokes, born in Virginia in 1812. Josiah E. was the son of John H. Stokes and Polly Duffer, who married in Charlotte County in 1810. John H. Stokes and his family came with his parents Josiah Stokes and Mary Hanes (Haynes, Haines, etc.) to Williamson County TN where they are located in the 1820 census and where I now live. Mary Hanes was the daughter of John Hanes, who died leaving a will in Charlotte County about 1816, and his wife Phebe. Phebe is said to be a Brizendine. Recently I was excited to learn by paper trail that my husband is related to our neighbor and friend, Willis G., who is also a Duffer descendant. Their nearest common ancestor is Edmond Duffer and his wife, said to be Mary Elizabeth Smith. I am fascinated by DNA genealogy and Willis G. was kind enough to take a DNA test for me. Sadly, as they are 6th cousin once removed, they did not have enough matching DNA to show up. I continue to work on Willis’ tree and hope that some other cousin therein will have a DNA match. My goals right now are to prove that Edmund Duffer’s wife was Mary Elizabeth Smith and John Hanes’ wife was Phebe Brizendine. Any clue very much appreciated. I have a good collection of Bedford County, TN material and would be happy to search that material for anyone who has a need. Carolyn Odle Smotherman

Welcome to Groups.io, our new home for genealogical discussions. This is an exciting time with a very impressive website and the opportunity to rekindle our communications and, perhaps, revive research that has been set aside for a time. Diane and I want to encourage you to make us of this group with your brick walls, successes, questions and whatever answers you may have for others' queries. To begin with, introductions are encouraged, including some history about yourself etc. If we can feel like a "family" we might get more out of being here. We definitely do not want to make this such a strict environment that you are discouraged from entering or starting discussions. We want you to enjoy being a part of this group and be glad you joined in the first place. If you have other group connections where you may spread the word about us that will be great as well. Looking forward to hearing from you all, Jim "Pops" Jackson and Diane Sowden