Posted on: VanBuren Co. Ia Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/VanBuren/11309 Surname: Smith, Schultz ------------------------- It appears that you're correct, and that we're dealing with two different Hester Smith's, both of whom died in Van Buren Co., IA in 1886, and both of whom bore 12 children. None of my wife's ancestor Hester's children was a Joseph L. Smith, so I guess we're just dealing with an interesting coincidence that will make things really confusing for genealogy research. For the record, the children of Peter C. Smith and Hester Catherine Schultz Smith were: James B. Smith, b. 31 Jul 1831 Martha Jane Smith, b. 25 Jul 1833 John P. Smith, b. 4 Aug 1835 Jeremiah Smith, b. 31 Dec, 1837 Philip Smith, b. 22 Feb 1840 Daniel B. Smith, b. 22 Aug 1842 William Smith, b. 4 Dec 1844 Mary Catherine Smith, b. 7 Apr 1847 Samantha Ann Smith, b. 8 Aug 1849 Margaret Smith, b. 18 May 1851 Sarah Eliabeth Smith, b. 15 March 1855 Lourissa Smith, b. 4 Mar 1858 If I happen to encounter any information relating to your Hester Smith, I'll certainly try to bring it to your attention.