I know this is an old thread. Hopefully, you still check these boards.

I am trying to research the Brattons of Belmont County prior to 1860. Of particular interest is George Bratton (1807-?) and the children of his first marriage. Who were George's parents?

I've traced that he married Sarah Gallaspie 1 Sep 1832 and remarried to (Mrs.)Hannah Cavender 20 Mar 1856. George and Sarah moved to Pennsville in Morgan Co. and had three of four children together.

Did Sarah (first wife) die or did they divorce? When? The reason I am interested is that on the 1850 census (St. Clairsville, Belmont Co.), I find George Bratton living with the Steel Smith household.

I also find four Brattin/Bratten/Brattan/Britton children who are scattered between families in Richland Twp and Wayne Twp (Belmont Co). I am assuming they are George and Sarah's children.

*Solomon (age 9) and Amey (age4) were living with Seth Mitchner's family in Richland Twp. Seth was a farmer for the "poor house" (infirmary/county home). Amey was born in Lloydsville, Richland Twp 23 Aug 1845. She married William Vail. No further info on Solomon.

*William (age 12) was living with Levi Pickering (Jr) family in Richland Twp. The Pickerings owned the land where the poor house was built. I am confused as to if this is William J or William I.
William J (1839-1898) was an undertaker in Bridgeport. William Ira (1837-1922) is my husband's gr-gr grandfather. He enlisted with the 43rd OVI Co D - a regiment from St. Clairsville and Richland Twp. Married Mary Elizabeth Miller. Family Search incorrectly has his middle initial as J on the death certificate. His father's name is listed as "Ieckburn" (or at least that's how the transcriber and myself read it. Writing is legible - just can't make heads or tales of that name.) William Ira (spelled Arie on the tombstone) is buried in Powhatan Point.

*George (age 14) was living with James "Vankie" (maybe VanDyne?) family in Wayne Twp. Coincidently, two doors away from Levi Pickering (Sr.), father of Levi Jr mentioned above. No further info on him.

One more question. How is Thomas Bratton (b. c1840-d.1905) (husband of Sarah and living in Richland Twp) related to the above mentioned Brattons?

Thanks for any help you can offer.