Vicki Titus wrote: > > Just read the census info - and have a couple of other thoughts. > > B. Maine?? was it abbreviated.... Alt spelling could place it in MI. An > undotted i might be read as an E>>>> > I checked my notes and I had Maine written out on the 1860 census copy. I usually try to copy everything as it was written, when I can't get photocopies. This was the 1860 census of Waterloo Twp, Allamakee Co, Iowa, pg 97. However the 1850 census listed the entire family as born in N.Y. It is possible they were in Michigan between 1853 and 1860, but I have seen no evidence of it. The 1860 census listed Ellen as born in New York, written out. The place of birth for the children were all the same and was unclear. It looked to me like an "I" alone, but had a little extra squiggle. I thought it could be Ia and wrote that down, realizing later that would not be correct. I wondered later if what I was actually seeing was a symbol for "ditto". I was reading this census at the end of a long day when errors occur more often. The 1850 census was for the "Town of China", Wyoming County, New York. I have been unable to locate this town on any map, but found reference to it in a New York gazzetteer. I have been given information that China was renamed Arcade about 1818, but the 1850 census makes me question that info. Is it possible that in the state of New York the "Town of China" is the equivalent of township? I appreciate all the input. Thanks to everyone.