HiJerzGirl54,
Thanks for responding. What I am trying to find out is who the real parents of Lois Matthews, nee Groat, were. She is listed on the census, as you have seen, as the daughter of John and Mercy Groat; but, if you look at their ages it does not appear likely.
Lois was the 1st wife of Lauren Alonzo Matthews and they are the parents of my great great grandmother, Fanny Augusta Lord, nee Matthews. I have pieced some of the story together.

When Lois died at the age of 20 from diptheria, Lauren joined the cavelry with his brother George and they both fought in the Civil War. After the war, Lauren married Mary Tompkins and they raised Fanny as well as having 7 more children. Their oldest daughter was named Lois and I presume for Lois Groat.

Thanks for looking into this. If you have any suggestions about how I might find what I am still looking for, I would be greatful. Church records seem to have vanished and I know that one of the churches burned. It is too early for death certificates and her death announcement provides no information of that sort. So, it may be that this brick wall won't come down.
Again, thank you.
Mignon