Shirley - Just a thought since I have run into similar situations in S.C. and GA... Could this possibly be a mother/son i.e. Hardaway Jr. vs. either her brother or a nephew. Women had few legal rights at the time and often a male representative had to take up the female's case, and since this would definitely effect a 'grandson', one of the sons went on record with his mother. Just a thought but I have found the same in court cases involving issue of Mixed Blood (Cherokee in my case), although the dates were earlier than those you mention. Have you been to the Powhatan County Courthouse? Wish I could help but am way beyond lifting those huge books - lifted too many in my time. Diane S ----- Original Message ----- Hello all....Currently, I am totally confused and would appreciate any help you may give me... Hardaway McGruder married Susan E. Atkinson in 1844 in Powhatan VA. She was the daughter of Milton P. Atkinson and Elizabeth P. Cox Atkinson. I know this from the Atkinson Bible. Susan E. Atkinson died in 1855. I read elsewhere that a Hardaway McGruder died in 1859 in Powhatan VA and that his wife was Susan A. McGruder. I found a Chancery case last night under Powhatan County where a Hardaway McGruder and his wife, Susan Anne McGruder were involved in a case regarding Marlow W. Atkinson estate. The Chancery reads that Susan Anne was Susan Anne Atkinson, daughter of Marlow W. Atkinson and Elizabeth Street Atkinson. This Chancery case was in 1870. Were there 2 Hardaway McGruder's in Powhatan County, VA?? Thank you in advance for everything. My best, Shirley Cox Schroeder To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html