I am still in search of Louvenia Blackshear/Blacksher of Arkansas (b. Louisiana 1862, d. after 1900 but unsure where or when). Her brothers were names James and The first record that I've found, so far, is the 1880 census; she's living with two brothers (assumed), just down the road from the man (Henry Clay Conrad) she married just a few weeks after the census was taken. These are my great-grandparents and I have so very little on them. The Blackshear line seems to be the most disjointed that I research; there is very little to go on and the census takers in Arkansas often used just the first initial of a person instead of the full name (grrr!). I am thinking that this might be my family; does anyone research this line? -------------- 1870 census: Downsville P.O., Ward 5, Union Parish, Louisiana Elisa Blackshire, 45(misprint? 1870 census=28), White Female, housekeeping, b. Alabama Phuma/Phisna?, 17, White Male, farm labor, b. Louisiana James, 14, White Male, farm labor, b. Lousiana Robert, 10, White Male, farm labor, b. Lousiana Fani, 7, White Female, b. Lousiana ------------- Hoping for a miracle (and, yes, I do believe...) Jo-Ann Stephens Bahai@netusa1.net