Errors (and duplicate listings) are not uncommon in the censuses. Note age differences, Samuel listed as son not stepson, and Samuel's last name assumed to be Fowler in the 2nd listing. But I would guess the marriage date is wrong here - there just wasn't too much "shacking up" going on in those days, at least not this publicly. Perhaps it's the date the marriage was registered? FOWLER ALEXANDER 26 M W IL IL WHITE Co., GRAYVILLE PCT, 1870, with wife Mary 24, b TN, and son George 3, b IL. --- John McGowan <jmack@carolina.net> wrote: > Folks, > Another dilema: in 1882 estate division of her > bachelor Uncle Henry > McGOWAN in Hyde Co., NC, Alemeda McGOWAN > (b.1855), daughter of Wiley & > Tabitha (Norris) McGOWAN of Saline Co., IL, she > is listed as Alemeda > FOWLER. In Illinois records I have found the > following: Alexander > FOWLER m. Mrs. Almeda WILKINS on Jan. 11, 1881 > in Gallatin Co., IL. > Also, her sister Rachel McGOWAN was married at > the home of Alexander > FOWLER. In the 1880 Census of Whitle Co., IL I > found them listed twice: > -------------------------------------------------- > White Co., IL - Indian Creek > p.413D > Alexender Fowler 36 head Laborer IL/AL/TN > Almada " 24 wife IL/TN/TN > George F. Fowler 13 brother IL/AL/TN > Samuel Wilkins 2 son IL/IL/IL > -------------------------------------------------- > White Co., IL - Indian Creek > p.421D > Alixander Fowler 35 head Laborer IL/TN/TN > Almada " 25 wife IL/TN/TN > George F. " 12 son IL/IL/IL > Samuel W. " 3 son IL/IL/IL > -------------------------------------------------- > So, either the above marriage date is incorrect > of Alexander and Alemeda > lived together before they were married. > Any information on Alexander FOWLER, b.c.1844 > in Illinois, or the > McGOWANS of Saline & White Co., IL, will be > greatly appreciated. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com