Sometimes I wish recordkeepers had all been issued typewriters. I am trying to learn more about William Cates, who was issued a license in Lawrence County to marry Francis Long, who was a widow. However, in the 1880 Census his name is transcribed as Cater and the two Long children whom Francis had had (Nancy M. and Mary J.) are also indicated with the Cater surname. In 1880, the family also included: A. CATER, Elijah, born about 1868 B. CATER, Alice, born about 1870 C. CATER, Laura, born about 1872 D. CATER, Cora, born about 1879 In Lawrence Co. Marriages are: Cater, Laura (18) m. Nipps, C.A. (28) 7/15/1896 (thus this Laura b about 1878) -- Was whe understating her age or is this a different Laura Cater? Cater, William T. (20) m. Clay, Minta B. (17) 11/10/1901 (This William born about 1881 -- Is he another of William and Franky's children?) Can anyone help identify this family and/or tell me what happened to William and Franky Cates/Cater and/or any of their family? Betty Snow snow2@erols.com