I have seen an account where RUTHIE YATES (SHORTRIDGE) and MELISSA SHORTRIDGE were sisters. But I have also read where RUTHIE's father was JOHN YATES and MELISSA's parents were ROBERT SHORTRIDGE and BROWN. I have no mother for RUTHIE If RUTHIE was a SHORTRIDGE, did she marry a YATES and could JOHN YATES be her husband and not her father. Also I have seen an account where RUTHIE and JOSEPH LOONEY never married; they just lived together and had three children. Other accounts say she was his first wife. Can anyone on the list provide some enlightenment? Thanks! Benne