I've been unable to find anything about my great grandmother whose first name was "Clara", according to her marriage certificate and the entries on different censuses. Also that is the name she used when she and her husband bought a home. She was widowed in 1882 with 3 young children at age of 24 or 25 yrs and I've not been able to find her name on any record since about October 1882. Now I'm wondering if she may have actually been called something beside "Clara". Does anyone know a common name for Clara or have a suggestion for me? Another grandmother of mine was named "Mary Bell" but was always called "Mamie". Another bit of mystery about her is her birthplace put on her death certificate which says she was born in Clinton, Iowa. Without a doubt, I know she was born in Chariton, Iowa. I'm sure it was an error of the funeral director but I don't know how it could be changed at this late date. She died in 1945. juanita