This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Martin, Titus, Odle or O'Dell Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/XNB.2ACI/463.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Frances, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my query. I have no further information on Murdock Martin or his origins. It may be of interest to note that Murdock's daughter Mary Jane Martin married a John Odle or O'dell. I do not have a date/location, could you check for them in your Ray County marriage book? This Martin line is a large "brick wall" and would love to find a clue to break it down. Have been researching census records and thought the following might be of interest to you if you do not already have the information: 1840 Ray County Missouri Thomas Martin, Crooked River Twp, p. 335, 13321-000001 Thomas B. Martin, Fishing River Twp, p. 329 10001-001 (Thomas & Martha w/ Hampton?) David Martin, Fishing River Twp, p. 329 0000001-0110001 (same page as Thomas B.) William Martin, Richmond Twp, p.318 00101001-00000001 No other Martins in Ray County. By 1850 Murdock Martin's widow is residing in Fishing River Twp, Ray County, MO with her parents (Titus), the Martin children, and her new husband and son. [The Titus family moved to Ray Co. in 1842 (same year Mary Jane born), Martin family could have been there before that or perhaps he was from Ray County prior to his marriage.] The closest Martin to this family is a William Martin (10 houses away)age 25 born in IN. Have not began researching him yet, but am hopeful of a relation due to the proximity. Murdock's widow's family is on p. 378, William Martin p. 379 and a related family on p. 380. There are several O'Dell families on these pages as well. Sharon, do you have any additional information on Thomas' father John Taylor? Would be very interested if there's any possibility of Murdock belonging to that family or if William b. c1825 in IN connects, please let me know.