Dear Doris,
I’m sure you’ve wondered the same questions that I did.
Like:
1). Why were the two supposed twins William Preston & Elizabeth both born in 1838 in two different states? William in Alabama & Elizabeth in Tennessee? I was guessing – not twins at all, may have been born only months apart.
2). Why was the family living in Alabama when the older son was born? I can think of several others, but that’s a discussion for a later date.
3). Since George Graton age 26 from North Carolina – same as Mary was living with them in 1850. One could almost assume that he was somehow, related to Mary. I’d run his tree.
4). In 1870 they must have had an odd way of pronouncing their surname since the Marshal spelled it John Meitcalf. They never seem to move from District 11.
5). Why in 1870 they list Rebecca & Martha (possible twins), since neither girl lives at home, just Octavia according to the census and where were they actually living (away at school, etc.)?
Lots and lots of questions. I do love a mystery. So, I’ll continue to see what I can come up with on my end – hope you’ll do the same. Tennessee has been very slow with turning out documents. I checked many of the cemeteries in White County, TN few Metcalf’s were buried there, with accurate records anyway.
Thanks for your comment,
Sheila Jean Adkins Metcalf