James Farris b. 1774
"My" James Farris was born in 1774 and moved to New Madrid County Missouri with his mother, Catherine Bell and her second husband, David Shelby. I am a descendent of his through his second wife,Clarissa. We know that he was married before, but did not have the name of his first wife.
I think it is Cynthia Caulk. In 1811 James was the administrator for the estate of Thomas Ward Caulk, Jr. and listed himself as a near relative. James' first son by his first wife is Thomas W.C. Farris. Their daughter is Cynthia Farris. Thomas W.C. Farris also has a daughter named Cynthia. Not conclusive, I know. I don't think we'll ever know.