Juanita: You are wonderful. Thank you for all the information. Are the birth and death dates from actual tombstones? If not, where did you find them? You did not find Almarinda in the 1860 census. I am wondering if she wasn't married first to someone else. Her marriage to William C. Ayers was at age 34. Quite an "old maid" during the times. Is there anywhere to check marriage records for 1845 to 1855 or so? Corinne -----Original Message----- From: Melvin Hall <Hall1@nemr.net> To: Corinne <res0jhq4@verizon.net> Date: Monday, January 28, 2002 8:51 AM Subject: Ayers Here is something that might interest you if you don't have it. William J Smart "married Mrs Almaranda T Ayers, who had six children by her first marriage, two of whom live with Mr. Smart. This lady is a member of the Christian Church" from "The History of Adair,Sullivan,Putnam & Schuyler Counties Missouri" 1888 by Goodspeed, page 899 Almarria T Ayers wife of William C born 22 Apr 180 died 5 Nov 1893 and buried at the Ayers Cemetery, Missouri William C Ayers born 2 Dec 1813 died 2 Aug 1884 buried at the Ayers Cem, Sullivan County Missouri Missouri became a state in 1820, Sullivan County was formed in 1845. The Ayers family was living in Buchanan Township in Sullivan County Missouri. Welcome J Ayers, son of William C & Almarinda married Carrie Shaver. The Shaver family was in either Randolph or Ralls county before they came to North Missouri. Perhaps they met there. In the 1860 Adair County Missouri Census is a listing for a W C Ayers age 46 born Ohio Household #905 with the A H Linder family. This could be your William C. This appears to be Morrow Township which is adjacent to Buchanan Township in Sullivan County Hope some of this helps. Jaunita