I began my genealogy quest with my mother's beloved grandmother, Helena BUTLER IRISH. The report of death was made by her deaf daughter, so it has more mistakes than any record you can imagine. The questions and answers have no obvious connection. Ultimately, I found Helena's maternal line, but her father's remains elusive. 1. Her parents were both born on February 18, so that seems reliable. However, my other aunt gave me "romantic" stories, rather than facts. 2. Because of a legal suit in 1850, I believe his birth name was BUTTLER. 3. Born in Maryland in 1795 is on most documents, census reports and references 4. He was Catholic. Of this I am sure. 5. He was a doctor 6. There may be a connection to Missouri before he was married to Elizabeth Ogle in 1836 in Belleville Illinois (I never have figured the right question for the answer "Missouri") 7. He may have lived in Randolph County Illinois before he was married 8. He retired to Decatur in Macon County Illinois where there are several Buttlers and Butlers. 9. A neighbor of the Ogles in St Clair County Illinois was Dr. Absolem BUTTLER who was born in VIrginia. I have come to appreciate the death record since I have clues for my brick walls. For instance, John meant Helena's father, not husband. It is a game. Butler is a hard name to discern in handwritten records. Helena's marriage license said "Button" I go back and forth between the very common "John Butler" to the very uncommon "John Butler" John and Elizabeth had 10 children. Only my line is extant, so help is unlikely from another family researcher. I need help from ancestor and collateral relative sources, data bases and anyone else in Maryland. Thank you so much. Lynn