In a message dated 9/6/2004 2:00:55 AM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Trying to figure out if the above is Alta Gates or Alta Hanson and who was her father? Alta and Frank's marriage cert. Says her father was John Gates in Big Rapids, Mecosta Co., MI Alta's death cert. Says her father was George Yates. Much of the other information I have indicates her maiden name may have been "Hanson". ******** Chuck, I would strongly take the information on the marriage certificate because SHE probably gave the information. The death cert information came from 'someone else'. The name GATES could have been remembered by that person as Yates. They sound the same. My guess is the informant on the death cert never knew the father. Regarding information of Hanson, could she have been married prior, and that is a married name. 1900 Census: Francis Townsend--Ionia Co--Sebena Twp, June 20, 1900 Ed 31 p 8B FLORA A--b Nov 1865 MI Children: Vera M, John S, Florence Perhaps Alta was middle name. 1880 Census John & Mahuly Gates----Bay Co MI Flora--14yr b MI Olive-- 2yr b MI Have you worked with the Census records? If not check with your local library, you should have access to Ancestry.PLUS to get the rest of the information on the above people. Sometimes information, not written down, is passed down incorrectly. Susanne