In a book called Footprints Along The Hoopee there are several references to the Walea name, but much earlier than the date you mentioned. It appears James Walea was a farmer who must have done well because he was listed as owning more than 10 slaves, a large amount for the area. He administered the local poor school fund and paid vouchers to the teachers for the indigent students they taught...at the rate of 5 cents a day. A list of the teachers includes a man named Samuel Simmons. Maybe the families became connected in the early 1800's.. In 1833 legal action was taken against Walea for stealing funds and he was replaced by a man named John Love as trustee. His land was sold to pay back the money... CJS