I know I'm probably really reaching right now but I can prove my line back so far and then ... bang ... I hit a big brick wall.

James S. Porter (b. 12 Dec 1774 in VA) married at least two women. One is reportedly named Lydia (this is either the first or second marriage depending on your theory) and then lastly married a Sara W. Gillum in 1831 in Trigg County, KY.

James S. Porter had the following children.
1. Rezin Shipley Porter (1817-1865)
2. James C. Porter (1818-aft 1880) - married a Richardson
3. Mary C. Porter (1819 - 1902) - married Hite
4. William Tuler Porter (1822 - 1896) - married a Brunson
5. Joseph Porter (1826 - aft 1880) - married a Ritter
6. Sarah Porter (1829 - aft 1880) - married a Hord

There were three additional childre, but they were from his last marriage.

James S. Porter (b. 1775), named his first child (those that I know of at least as pre-1850 census reflects that there may have been more) after his father ... Rezin Shipley Porter Jr. (abt 1755 - 1826) who was married to Elizabeth Tooley.

It stands to reason that if Rezin Shipley Porter (b. about 1755) was a Jr. then there has to be a Sr. <grin>. So, assuming that Sr. was 20 to 30 years of age when Jr. was born ... that would make Rezin Shipley Porter Sr. born about 1725/1735.

The name combination of Porter and Shipley lead me to believe that my line is somewho connected to Peter Porter and one of the Porter/Shipley marriages of that time.

Any help or conjecture is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks.