In a message dated 11/25/2005 2:32:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: I am stuck on my brick wall. Does anyone have a good suggestion? My main line Im searching I only have back to 1868 with a marriage license/certificate having them married in Norfolk, VA. I find them on the 1870 census in Norfolk, VA and then find wife on 1900 census after her husband supposedly died. I cannot find them in the 1880 census anywhere. I have tried various spellings. He supposedly died about 1888, that is all I know. I have his parents names also according to the certificate but not found him either. Christy - There are a number of reasons for him not to be on the census - 1) he died before you think, 2) they temporarily moved somewhere out of state - maybe just over the line into NC? an 3) the name is spelled so badly that you cannot find him. OK 4 - he was just left out! You might try looking for the neighbors shown in the last census and see if by some chance, they are still neighbors to a family that matches his but with a badly spelled surname. Bev