I'm searching for a missing child of the above couple, who lived in Athena. John was both a farmer and a constable, and he's buried in the Athena Cemetery. When John died in 1907 his father (who is my 2nd ggrandfather) wrote a note to a relative telling her of John's death and adding that he "leaves behind a wife and 6 children, the youngest a boy of 10."

I've found the family in the 1900 federal census along with their last five children: Jessie E., Bernice, Roy, Bessie, and Earl (who was born in 1897, which makes him the 10-year-old in the letter). Also in this census Mother Nannie says she's had 6 children and 6 are still living, so the number of children in this family isn't a figment of their grandfather's imaganation.<g>

I've haunted the 1900 censuses of OR, WA, and ID for a child born between 1884 (the year John and Nannie were married) and 1888 (birth year of the next child, Jessie E. above) and one who is not listed as a son or daughter. There are three close matches in Umatilla Co., but the birthplaces listed for their parents don't quite match those of John (Iowa) and Nannie (Oregon).

Does anyone know of this family or have suggestions for further searching?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Beth

A poster (and dear cousin) responded only to the mailing list and as she had some great research tips, I decided to make my response through the message board so others can possibly benefit:
". . . have you tried the 1890 census for Oregon? I know some of the vets on that. I am not sure of who all is on that. What about the agricultural schedules? You may be able to get these through your local Family History center.Alyce"

My response: Thanks for those tips, Alyce. I've not looked at agricultural schedules but have looked at the 1890 reconstructed census and while there are several John Smiths there, none is the right one. As far as I know he never served in the military, so I didn't really expect to find him there. I guess it's time to see what's available in the way of agricultural schedules.

Thanks again,
Beth

Hi Beth:
What does NAnnie's obit say about her children?
Do you have obituaries for the siblings? They will usually tell who is surviving and where they lived.

Don't rule out your possibilities due to the place of birth for the father. On the 1900 he is listed as being in Ohio, not Iowa. On the 1910 his place of birth on the childrens record is listed as Indiana. On the 1920 Earl's lists only US under fathers place of birth.

I didn't know if you have this item, but the date is coincidental with John death:
Athena Newspaper May 14, 1907
Bessie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Smith has been seriously ill for the past few days.

Let me know if you need some additional help in searching!
Laura

Laura,

Thanks for your message of encouragement. I don't have obituaries for anyone in John's family, although I'll be in the area for a family reunion in August and hope to carve out some newspaper reading and library time while there.

The census taker reversed John's place of birth and his mother's place of birth. That line should read Iowa, Indiana, Ohio. Of course, that means all the children's are wrong, too. Except for Roy, who was born in Idaho, theirs should all be Oregon, Iowa, Oregon.<g>

Thanks for the newspaper quote about Bessie -- knowing that could come in handy down the line.

Beth