Re: Hiram Nelson Bewley - Pike County, IL

I looked at the census you referenced.I think Mary Jane Bailey is 25 and Nelson Bewly is 23.Next time you get an opportunity, check how the census taker makes their numbers.Ones are straight lines.The threes are distinctly threes.The census taker makes twos at least three different ways but all have little "tails".The first numbers of Mary Jane's and Nelson's ages have tails.

There is a Hiram N. Bewley in the 1880 census Artesia Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, Page 2C that was born about 1837.This would be consistent with an age of 23 in 1860.He is married to a Mary J. and has daughters Ida and Ethel.

Good hunting, Frank