After reading what Paul wrote I can't help but add something.

Often we rely on the info from an abstract and never look at the orginial
source.   Reaching a dead end on the direct line, I read all abstracts in
Genealgocial Abstracts of Rev. War Pensions in all possible spellings of the
surname I was searching.  By widening my search, I began to get a glimmer of
info but needed to read the original pensions.

The abstract said family relationship not stated.

In the actual pensions, Judith was called widow of John but his name was NOT
mentioned in the abstract. She testified for Andrew and Wm. who were named
brothers and each said he'd served from Hanover Co. VA. (a burned co. with
no Rev. War records)  I knew she had been mar. and lived in Hanover Co.at
least until 1778.  All 3 men moved to KY.  Though her husband's relationship
to Andrew and Wm. wasn't stated, it was good enough to convince me that they
were brothers.

By looking for info on the extended family, I found that my widow lived at
least 36 yrs., after her husband's death, and never remarried.  Previous to
this, I had found nothing after 1818 court record (abstracts!) to indicate
she was still living.  Now I can look for her death info.

Also when transcribed records that have been alphabetised, I always seek out
the original records.  Family relationships become more evident, I can
compare my ancestors data with neighbors (not just the other K surname that
lives in that county).

The interent is a wonderful aid to research, as are published books, but so
much more becomes evident by going to the orginial source whether it be
census, taxes, pensions, church etc. and -- always ask for a marriage
application rather than a marriage certificate or license.  Barb

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