This will probably not be of much help but... 1880 census, Ludington, Mason, MI: Eli HALBULSMA, widowed, 58, Holland, Retail grocer (living alone) 1883 Pensioners on the roll for Michigan: Cert NO: 69163, HALBERSMA, Given name: B., Middle name: Eli, post office: Ludington He is totally elusive in 1870 -- must be in some other state than Mighigan. RC