Luann, > Can anyone help me with these questions: > -- what census E.D. would I check for someone who lived "near Rock Iron > Works"??? Prior to 1853 Rock Iron Works was in the western part of Spring Township; from 1853 forward, however, it became Benner Township. He probably lived on the old Spring Creek Road -- that area is now all owned by the State Correctional Institution at Rockview. > -- the phrase "he had been in town" -- does that refer to Bellefonte? Yes. Bellefonte was the *major* town, county seat, and home of the Centre Democrat from 1827 to 1989. (It was also founded by Philip Benner, who founded Rock Iron Works and for whom Benner Township was named.) -- any idea where I might look for a marriage record for John +Nancy (first > > child Robert A. Roach born June, 1838...Nancy was born 1820; have no birth > date for John) Check the lists compiled by Gladys Murray and Harold O. Thomen for Centre County Marriages 1800 to 1850. They are in the Bellefonte library and perhaps some list member who has the books can do a look-up. It is important to note that prior to 1885 there was no requirement for registration of marriages (except from 1852 to 1855). Thus, we are dependent upon newspaper articles, J.P. records, church books, etc., to compile these marriage books. > -- the 1840 Federal census index for Patten Twp (where in Blair is that?) > lists > a John Roach on page 186. Does anybody have access to that census??? > > Patton Township was founded about 1794 and named for Col. John Patton. It is just west of Benner Township in the scheme of things (and would have bordered Spring prior to 1853, when Benner was formed). Occasionally the line between Patton and Benner/Spring was confused in early years, it seems, so this could well be your person. Justin Justin Kirk Houser Genealogist/Researcher of Central PA and Beyond Main Lines: Houser, Breon, Shawley, Ranio/Hrynio (and others) President, BAHS Class of 2003 Student Representative, BASD Board of Education Listowner, PACENTRE-L@Rootsweb.com Historian, Schürch Association of North America (specialty Central PA lines) Member, Valley View United Methodist Church "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature"