Susan, The last name is Slade Grossl, glad my story reminded you of yours. My mom was dads third wife. Mom actually knew who wife number one was, but did not have much info on number two. It was not till after they both died that I found the info on the second wife and three children who are all deceased. Dad had three wives and eleven kids: 1st wife 2 children, 2nd wife 2 children and one step child who had the last name of Slade for some reason and then 7 with mom. Fun the stuff you find once you start this research. Susan Boise, Idaho, USA -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Susan Stuart Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 9:04 PM To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [NORCAL] George Thomas b. 1887 California Paul and Everyone, First, you are welcome. Sorry I wasn't more help! As to your question, you may recall that you helped me with my Watson search about a year ago, and we had the lovely, thrice married Pauline to deal with. After her first divorce, Pauline moved back in with her family and used her maiden name, and "single" on the Census. Your idea then was as you stated below, and a good one -- especially in such a small town as Reserve, Kansas! Next, I am totally enjoying everyone's stories in reply to this question! My grandfather's first wife never remarried and gave "widow" as her status on the next two Census records, even though my grandfather was alive and well. Similar to Susan Slade's story, my grandfather's brother was married twice, and the second wife had no knowledge of the first wife or their 5 children! A distant relative saw an obit and recognized the names. She began calling other family members with this news. Someone then contacted a person listed in the obit, and they now have this huge, extended family they never knew existed. Oh, the webs we weave! Susan -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Paul Puente Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:32 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [NORCAL] George Thomas b. 1887 California Cathy, Marilyn, Susan - many thanks for your contributions; I appreciate it very much. The second issue is one I have seen on several occasions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The heads of household, women in particular, would lie to a census taker that they were widowed when in fact they were divorced to avoid the stigma of divorce and the gossip of neighbors. Census takers were not always discrete. How many of you have seen this in your own research? Again, many thanks Paul