First off Jonathan...please do not apologize for the "long reply". The information that you're giving is awesome!! Now, I have to admit that I was a history major (that's how I got sucked into this!!) and I love doing research also. Some of the things you mentioned I knew, but it was great to have it brought back to my attention. Anyway, how can I complain when you are being so generous with your help?!! Thank you!!

Many of "the Lenoirs near the County line in both Monroe and Chickasaw" and Clay are related to me. Unfortunately, it wasn't until my mother's passing that I found this out.

Yes, Willis was born a slave. In fact, my older cousin (his name is George Blanchard) remembers Willis telling stories about when the Yankees came into the county. All, this time, I've probably been looking in the wrong counties. I've mainly be concentrating on Clay and Monroe. Never thought about Chickasaw or Loundes Counties.

I'm afraid you may be correct about Lydia's husband. I've seen other Carothers in many of the census records here on Ancestry.com, but I could never be sure about them.

Thanks for the email address. I will send one off to them today!! I am so glad that you responded to my message board entry!!

Malcolm