Dear Carla, Welcome to the list! I think the chances are pretty good that your idea is sound. The two males ages 16-20 and 20-30 would be the two boys who have families by 1850. How old are children in 1850? If you make them 10 years younger, would they fit into this family pattern in 1840? If they already have lots of kids , or kids over age 10 or so in 1850, then they probably aren't from this family. But, I think you're on the right track. Let me know what you find out! Again, welcome! Linda in Utah Raventree, Mark & Carla wrote: > Dear List, > This is my first posting with you. > > I would like to know if anyone can tell me anything about this Mary Hays. > 1840 GALLATIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS CENSUS > Mary Hayes > Males > 2 10-15 > 1 16-20 > 1 20-30 > Females > 1 5-10 > 1 50-60 > > I have a Mary Carter who married Ruban Hays. They were from Tennessee. In > 1850 John and William Hays, their sons, show up in Hamilton County, Illinois > with their wives and families. They married Townsend sisters.They are > enumerated in that census. How they got there is still a mystery for me. > > I am wondering if this Mary Hays might be Ruban's widow since there is no > older man listed in the above census item. I have more on the Hays family in > McLeansboro if it would help. > Always Willing to Share, > Carla Dunlap Krehbiel > [email protected]