I am trying to find any information the Agnes Brawley who signed an agreement for maintenance in her old age with John Alexander Jr. in 1843 in Russell County, VA. Most Alexander researchers believe that she is the husband of the elderly James Brawley who is listed as living with the same John Alexander Jr. in the 1850 census of Russell County, VA. However, while I believe that she is related to this James Brawley, I do not believe that she is his wife. The argument everyone gives is that because he was not able to care for her, she entered into an agreement for such care with John Alexander. However, neither today's laws nor the laws of that time would allow a wife to enter a contract that effectively gives up what would in essence be community property and under the control of the husband. If she is James Brawley's wife, then his name should appear on teh document. Such, however, is not the case. Hence, I believe she is another Brawley related to John Alexander Jr and his family. Any info anyone has on her or the Brawleys of Russell County, VA, in the 1840s would be most appreciated.