Esther: I have a Martin SKOW in my tree, too, but he was U.S. born (Iowa, 1872), "baby" brother of: Jorgen Nissen, my grandfather Nis, Theodor, and Christian, who were all born in Oster Lindet. Their mother was Kirsten Marie MIKKELSEN (b. abt. 1840, place not yet known), 2nd wife of Jorgen Nissen SKOV, who was born in Bjerning, 1804. The elder Jorgen had an earlier wife, Anne Dorthe WIBORG, and that union produced about 14 children - all born in Bjerning - including two Marens (b. 1830 & 1835) but no Martin. My elder Jorgen appears to be the first to use the SKOV / SKOW / SCHOU name. He was son of Nis Lauesen (b. 1751, Bjerning) and a Catharine Marie Christensdr. Earlier than that becomes confusing, but Nis Lauesen appears to be the son of Laue Nissen (b. 1730, Bjerning) and a Maria Pedersdr. My research had had me coming across "those other Iowa Skows" for some time now. I regret that I haven't kept better track of them. I'd be happy to share the details of "my" SKOWs if you're interested. --RB Martinez, CA