You have probably done this, but have you looked at the earlier censuses and the city directories? I see Margaret listed in the 1840 and 1830 census, in 8th ward in at least one of them. In 1820 there are very few Varicks, but one is named Rulef or perhaps Ralph. Maybe the name on the death cert is a mistake, someone confusing this long ago dead man with the more famous mayor. The city directories should list him and his occupation. When he disappears and Margaret appears (as widow) that will give you an approximate death year. I have noticed that back then Margaret was a more Scots form and Margorie or Marjorie a more English form--a generalization, of course. Track JJ Varick in the city directories too. There may be one year when he and Margaret live in same place or close. >To begin: I am 99% sure this Varick family has no connection to the family of Richard Varick, mayor of NYC. I would like to prove that Margaret Varick in NYC Census is the mother of John James Varick. On his death certificate his parents are listed at Richard Varick and Marjorie Foster. I have been researching this family since the late 1960s. John James Varick's mother indentured him to William Hesketh, Blacksmith, November 20, 1838 (original document). 1850 census, 8th Ward John James Varick age 28, blacksmith, is listed with wife Elizabeth and 4 children. 1850 census, 9th Ward Margaret Varick, 66, is head of the household and is listed as 'idiotic' In her household is Phineas Varick, 37, 'idiotic', Elizabeth Varick 35, Joseph Varick 38 and Samuel BENNET 38 By 1860, John James Varick had relocated to Jersey City, NJ. I cannot find him in the 1860 census but did find where he purchases a cemetery lot in Speer Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ August 2, 1858 (original document). 1860 census 9th Ward, Div 4,New York City BENNETT, Samuel 53 BENNETT, Elizabeth 48 'blind' VARICK Phineas 45 VARICK, Joseph 44 I have not been able to find any further information concerning Margaret, Phineas nor Joseph VARICK Elizabeth VARICK BENNETT died December 21, 1876 in NYC. I sent for her death certificate hoping to find her parents' names. Unfortunately that was a year in which NYC death certificates did not require the names of the parents - only their places of birth. Further it said she was buried in "New York Bay". It took a while for me to discover she is buried in New York Bay Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ. For those of you who have waded through this very lengthy query, I thank you. And if you have any suggestions what I should do next, I would appreciate hearing from you. Floreda