Good question ....LOL...I was hoping you had the answer. I just started this search in Feb. I have been lucky to find what I have up to John. The early census records do not give much info and the later ones give conflicting dates and birth places. I found Thomas living with Sylvester his son in 1880,but his name is marked through. Then on the same page I find another John 25yrs, wife Francis 22, amd Mother 72yrs. I am thinking this is Thomas brother John's wife Margaret.