I have a typed copy of a letter written in Feb 3, 1937 from Lucinda Alley Dempsey b. ca 1830 d, 1906. The letter was written to Frances Alley and Nancy Alley , and to Anderson Alley of Montgomery County VA and she addresses them as Dear Sisters and Brother: although that could be a "familiar name" rather than a blood name. The letter mentions "Mother lives with us and is getting old and feeble and would like to see you all, which she never can do unless you come here." She invites them visit her. She mentions Aunt Mary Spaulding died two years ago and Spaulding married a Lucinda KIrk' We have identified the Dempsey line in Lawrence/Martin Ky..her husband was Mark Dempsey..they are buried on the Dempsey land.. We have identified Mary Spaulding as having been married to Fleming Spaulding in Monroe Co. WVA. None of the surviving members of the Dempsey family that we have contacted know who Lucinda's parents were or why she knew of the Montgomery co Alleys.. James Alley had sisters Nancy and Frances..and a son Anderson. Frances Alley Allbright married Gasper Allbright and they had daughters Frances, Nancy , Lucinda and Sarah Jane (which Lucinda's daughter was named). We know the children of Thomas and Rebecca Williams Alley of Martin Co. were close to Lucinda's family and several are buried in the Dempsey cemetery. We have found no marriage license for Mark and Lucinda..Mark had come from Logan Co and the Dempsey's have family history. It is thought Lucinda's parents were a William Alley and an Akers but we have no information to verify that. My Alley mentor . who is also an Akers has researched this for years..and we were finally able to identify the Dempsey line etc. this year. Would appreciate any input any one might have..our leads have run out.. Please contact me at [log in to unmask] Marilyn Canfield To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html