I stand corrected... I found this in another message -

Anson Co., NC Deed Book 16, p.2, dated January 19, 1859. Division of estate of William Pope. Names: Martha Carpenter, George Pope, Mary Ann Porter, Eli Pope, George A. Smith, W.H. Pope, and John M. Pope.

With Martha Carpenter being named, it is clear that William Pope is the son of Bennett Pope.

Note the "W.H. Pope" mentioned in the Division of Estate. I am certain that this is the same William H. Pope that lived in Marengo, Alabama in 1860.

Note the Jacob mentioned in Anson Co. Deed Bk S, p. 277, dated 22 March 1816. From the dates of birth for his siblings, it is fair to say that he was born abt. 1785. I am certain that this is Jacob Pope, father of the Joel W. Pope living next to William H. Pope in Marengo, Alabama in 1860.

This would make William H. Pope and Joel W. Pope 1st cousins... not "brothers", as stated in The Heritage of Marengo County, Alabama.

I also am certain that the Bennett Pope living in Marion, Alabama in 1850 was related to both William H. Pope and Joel W. Pope. He was either the son of Bennett (father of William and Jacob), or he was the son of Bennett Jr. Considering the approximate year of his birth, 1798, I am leaning more towards him being the son of the Bennett at the head of this family.