Hi, List, Just checked out the website for Andrea's History of the State of Nebraska, and found my elusive Leander J. Carpenter just where he ought to be: Mission Creek, Pawnee County, Section 29, raising horses and kids right next door to his in-laws, the Bowhays. From the biographical sketch, it is evident that he moved to Mission Creek directly from his home in Wisconsin and (almost certainly) remained on his prooperty till his death in 1893. The biographical sketches in the book helped confirm (mostly, add to, and correct some information I had about both the Bowhays and the Carpenters, This still doesn't explain L.J.'s absence from any census, but hey, who's complaining? Many, many thanks to the "honor roll" of individuals who have contributed their efforts to the transcription of this valuable resource! Can't wait till the rest of the counties go on line! Thanks again to all who suggested solutions, Barbara