After years of research and many dead ends, I have begun to suspect that Thomas Hale of York Co., PA, is the father of my Joseph Hale, who died in Patrick County, VA. and left his will in 1803. Many names are repeated in both families, and the children of Thomas intermarried with some of the same families that continued in my line. Joseph's will was witnessed by "my trusty friend, Charles Foster." Charles Foster was my gggg-grandfather, who also came to Patrick County from York Co., PA. I believe that the families of Huff, Foster, and Hale all knew each other and traveled to Patrick County together. Right now this is all speculation on my part. ( I have no trouble tracing my family line from Joseph Hale to present-day.)