Bob, the two William Allens, although arriving in St. Helena Parish just a few years apart, are two different individuals for sure. Mine had wives named Keziah Anders and Hannah Pride, and had 17 children. He died in Texas c. 1837. The Nathan(iel) Allen who settled in St. Helena Parish very early was his oldest son, and father William must have followed him down into St. Helena Parish. He had been in Wilkinson Co. in 1805 when his daughter Lydia married there. Except for the 1800 petition signed by William Allen (which one? I think not mine), the two Williams seem to be distinguishable. However, it appears they both had sons named Peter, and we're still trying to sort them out. Brenda Woolie has done a lot of excellent work on the Allens in St. Helena Parish. I believe I am a Cockerham descendant, too, but cannot prove it. That would be many generations farther back in Virginia. Please feel free to contact me via my e-mail address.