WILLIS, BOYD, GIBSON, SANFORD Hello, I’m new to the list. and haven’t written yet. Need the name of the father of John William Willis( who married Martha Ellen Mauk in Hancock co.in 1855.) Martha d/o of Ambrose Mauk from Page Co. Va. They are in Hancock Co. Census for 1860, 1870 and 1880, They came to Allen Co., Kansas in 1886. Some Mauks also came to Kansas. John William Willis was born 23 Nov 1832 in Kentucky(County unknown), died 28 May Iola, Kans. His father died when he was young & mother remarried,in what state or to whom unknown. Have developed a working theory that they were in McDonough Co prior to Hancock CO. Recently found a Willis in McDonough Co.that may be his mother. Need proof of her first husband’s given name. A Nancy Willis was head of household in 1840 McDonough Co, married Robert Boyd in 1841 and is listed as a head again in 1850. A Mrs. Nancy BOYD married in 1854 John GIBSON. 1860 census lists John and Nancy with children Sarah GIBSON, Allen BOYD, Aquilla BOYD. Allen BOYD is living with John William Willis in 1870 Census for Hancock Co. Problem: The 1850 McDonough Census lists all the children of Nancy BOYD as last name BOYD. Lists two John W.BOYDS age 18 which would be the right age for John Willis WILLIS. Also listed are two children with name JACKSON, (Grandchildren?) One child is listed as P.& E. H. Boyd to add further confusion. Perhaps this is why I've never been able to find John William Willis on 1850 Census. Believe John William Willis had a full sister Priscilla Elizabeth Willis who married Joseph SANFORD 25 June 1854 McDonough Co. Ill. The next I find them is in Mahuska Co. Ia in 1870. Any clues to the given name of John William WILLIS will be appreciated. Nancy J. Willis