Steve, regarding your ancestor, Elias Edens, I'll tell you what I know about him and his ancestors. First of all, I donot have any "definitive proof". I doubt if anyone has that. For over 30 years I havenot seen much about that early family.The Edens Family in Onslow Co., N.C. and Marlboro Co., S.C. originated with Phillip and Doletre Edens ( early books listed Phillip as Edings , but his descendents went by Edens.) I dont know when they came to America, but it was probably circa 1700-1712. I estimate Phillip was born circa 1678 and he died 1712 in Norfolk Co., Va. I also estimate Doletre was born circa 1685 and she died 1737 in Norfolk Co. I estimate they married circa 1704 (where??) and their children were: Richard (born ca 1705); Thomas (ca 1707); and Henry, John, Elias, and a daughter.. Your ancestor was son Thomas.

Thomas (b. ca 1707) died circa 1757 in Onslow Co., where he and some of his brothers moved circa 1739-1740. Following their mothers death they moved there. Son Richard inherited their estate.

I dont know Thomas' wife, but I estimate they married circa 1725, probably in Norfolk Co. All of their children arenot known, but some were:Thomas Jr. (b. ca 1726); Henry (ca 1728); Elias (ca 1730); and John (ca 1732). Elias (ca 1730) was your ancestor.NOTE: Those birth years are my estimates.

Elias Edens (ca 1730) died 1798 in Onslow Co. Circa 1755 he married (possibly to Ms. Morris), probably in Onslow Co. Again, all of their children werenot known, but some were:James (b. ca 1756);Winifred (ca 1758); John (ca 1760); Thomas (cam 1761); and Ezekiel (ca 1765).

My sources for this info came from various books on Onslow Co., deeds, books on Norfolk Co., Books on churches in Norfolk Co. and a document written by Mrs. Will M.Miller titled "Ligons and their kin of Graves Co., Ky."

Perhaps this info isnot new to you, but maybe some is. Bob Eddings (no relation).