We rather think that the Mattie Cotton who married William Troth is possibly the daughter of James Decatur Cotton and Louisa Comley Rude Cotton but only find Mattie as married to George Cotton in the 1880 census with two infant sons Nathan and John. But if this is the case George Cotton is most likely her first cousin by John Butler Cotton . George and Mattie's son John's obituary states he born in Memphis and that he was one of four children of George and Mattie Cotton but in 1880 the family was actually living in Folker Township, Clark Co. , Missouri and John was only 26 days old. Then I find John's mother listed in his household in Putnam Co., Missouri in 1930 but as Matilda Cotton . Her first marriage was at age 21 but where is the question? Gail