This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/FJE.2ACEB/72.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Happy Easter! I've had a lot of trouble locating info on my grandparents due to the fact that I'm told they were illiterate and John was excessively strict and would only allow Gaelic be spoken. I've got them coming off the boat in 1834, in New York, and the first census they show up in is 1850, in Cowanshannock. They are in subsequent cencuses and end up buried in St. Michael's. Therefore, I'm trying to go in through the back door. I'm 99% sure that daughter Isabella married John Neal. If I can get a good location and date of death then maybe I can get a death cert. that would show mother's maiden name. So far the death certs. on the other children that I've obtained all have the same answer, "unknown". Sorry to bore ya! DC How long have you been at this and who are ya researching? Maybe I can be of assistance. Thanks' for helping.