This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: LSLangille Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.massachusetts.unknown/7556.1.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Paul, Just my two bits .... since the death record seems impossible to find, have you entertained the thought that Nellie might have just up and walked out on her family? Or ran off with another man and eventually remarried, taking his name? It did happen at times, and it's quite possible her children dis-owned her for that. Whomever answered the questions for Frank's death record was likely one of their children, and perhaps to them, if desertion was the case, they might have just pretended she was dead to them. Even at that time, it was shameful to be deserted, and widowed sounds easier for most people to handle. This would explain no death record under Ryan, at least not for that time period after the 1920 Census, anyway. And then this thought .... in the 1940 Census, Frank is still answering that he's married - but it doesn't name names, and no telling if Nellie's back - he could have re-married too. It seems the only fact is his death certificate saying he was a widow. But from whom? Wish I could help you more .... it's frustrating at times when you can't find that one records to answer a thousand questions. Good luck! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.