This is a long shot, but the brick wall won't budge.
In a county history for Saline Co, IL, my gggrandfather John B. Williford (b 1800 NC), who named his first son John Leroy Williford (b 1825 TN), is described as being French in origin. John B. settled in Gallatin (now Saline) County about 1830. Since Williford is not a French surname, the only thing I can think is that John B.'s mother's maiden name may have been Leroy. Since I know absolutely nothing about his parents or where he was born in NC, I am at a loss. His first wife's name was Celia, but surname is unknown.
Do any of the Leroy lines have a marriage between a Leroy and a Williford, either in SC, VA, NC, or GA? If any of this sounds the least bit familiar, or if anyone can point me in the right direction, I would sincerely appreciate it!
Mary Hosna