This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Stacey Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ZKB.2ACE/408.2.1 Message Board Post: Dan, Well, the 1880 Census specifically states that Matilda's mother was born in Missouri. The fact that Sarah was born in Missouri doesn't necessarily make her Matilda's mother. It only proves that John was Matilda's father. The 1900 Census says that Matilda was born in Mar 1871. If her mother were born in Missouri, then we could expect to find John's marriage in Missouri, probably no later than 1870. I have yet to find John in the 1870 Census, with or without a wife. Later generations of this family were known to marry after the first baby was on the way, but I wouldn't think they'd have waited until the baby was six years old! In every instance so far, the marriage occurred roughly six months before the birth. Another possibility is that John had an earlier wife, born in Missouri, who met and married him in Canada or in some state other than Missouri. This is certainly a puzzle, but someday maybe more information will become available and I'll know the answer. Thank you for posting this. It is certainly food for thought.... Alma