I have just begun my research in Madison County for any information on the family of W. BRUSH. What I know: my ggrandmother, Theresa BRUSH is the daughter of Otillie/Otillia GUERTLER. She signed her name Theresa Brush on the original copy of her marriage certificate to Charles BEHRENS, 9-16-1873; she did not call herself Theresa Guertler. Theresa died 3-16-1880 in Elk City, Kansas (at age 28), in childbirth (her third child). I don't know exactly when she was born (approx. 1852) or where but suspect it was in Madison County since the obituary for her mother, Otillie GUERTLER says she came to Alton in 1846 and had been a resident for over 55 years when she died in 1903. She was married to Peter GUERTLER and had another child in 1866, also named Peter GUERTLER. Otillie and Peter raised my grandmother and her brother after Theresa died. Both my grandmother and her brother were born in Alton. Since Theresa's last name was BRUSH, I believe Otillie was married to someone named BRUSH before marrying Peter GUERTLER, and I did find a listing for W. BRUSH in the 1855 Madison County census, Edwardsville Twp (4NR8). He was listed with a wife and two children. The age of the girl would correspond with Theresa' age in 1855 (under 10); but it means she also had a brother, also under 10. I found no other Brush names in 1855, nor any in the 1860 or 1870 census. My search is now for W. BRUSH. Who was he? Is there any reference to his death in any newspapers after 1855? Is he buried in Edwardsville Twp? Did his son die young or survive to be raised by Peter Guertler? He wasn't named in Otillie's obituary, but neither was Theresa. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone with any information or reference to BRUSH. If you've poked around in cemeteries in Madison County and have come across a grave for W. Brush, I would jump for joy (after taking my aspirin, of course) if you would let me know. I have no clues about what the "W" stands for so I don't even know his first name! If what I suspect is true, he would be my gggrandfather, not Peter Guertler, who everyone in my family thinks is our ancestor. Mr. Brush may force a change to my whole data base!!! Thanks in advance for any information! Sylvia Harper Nelson Bainbridge Island, WA shn1@ix.netcom.com