You don't mention if you have ever searched the Federal census for Jacob...if born around 1845, he should be included, by name, in the 1850 census, and would be in the household of his parents. I have a CD of this census, but do NOT like the way it's presented or that you can't check for household members, so I never 'trust' what I find there....however, it showed no Jacob Marsh in Chester .....this CD covers Del, DC, Md, NJ and PA....the only Jacob Marshes (no ages given) were in Sullivan, Northampton, Monroe and Lycoming Cos, Pa, and one in Balt. Co, Md....that's it for all those states. .But, I wouldn't accept this as fact, and would suggest, if you haven't already done so, go through the Chester, Del and Lanc Cos census, to see if you can find him. If not, then his family, or he, must have moved to Chester later....be sure to try the 1860 and 1870 Census,, too. I also looked at Chester probate, and Jacob left no will or adm papers either through 1923.. Sandra " My GGGF, Jacob Marsh 1900C has his b: Jan 1845, with wife/Hanna (osborne) b: Feb 1840 B: Pa, farmer, having 4 child/4 living. 1910C has Hanna (WD.) living in Valley Twp., outside C'ville, w/unk party. (Jacob died 5-19-06) w/D.C. stating @ age 73 yrs) = b:1832 1880C Both living in Strasburg Twp., L.C.on S. Jackson St, off Main st. Jacob 38, stone mason, Hannah 35, children George 12, Emma 10, Amos 3, and Annie 2, who I directly descend from. Annie Rebecca Marsh b: 3-23-1877. 1870C has Jacob 34, Hannah30, George 4, living in Paradise Twp., L.C., Kinzers P.O. My Annie Rebecca Marsh went on to Marry Joseph Alonzo Young in Lancaster County on 5-24-1899 I have reviewed all Marsh posts on the CC & LC rootsweb, researched all Marsh's & March's in the Sadsbury area of CC & LC, as it was a border twp., and still cannot find the parents of Jacob."