Re: Stuck at John Leroy Mulford/father of Samuel L. Ohio origins

In my further hunting, I have found a document that John LeRoy Mulford, b.1803 (& father to Samuel Leroy, b.19 Feb,1840.)& the husband of Mary Hillary Lemar, (m.18Sep,1838. Clinton Co, OH) was most likely born in New Jersey. My first breakthrough in 2 years of hunting him!

Instead of trying to go backward in time, I went back to what I KNEW & could verify.. forward again to Samuel Leroy & Rachael Ann Mann Mulford who settled in Viola Center, Audubon Co,IA. Doing the sames searches agin, up popped an Iowa Census Form for 1915,(a small photocopied paper about the size of a rent receipt) for Audubon County,IA. Samuel is now 75 y/o, listed as "Sam".

He & Rachael, among several other entrepreneurial ventures over their long lives, had started the first rural telephone Company in that area, operating the switchboard out of their Viola Center acreage home, and "renting the lines to farmers who wanted to hook up. This form states "Sam's" occupation is "Telepone Central". So it's our Samuel (plus other identifying remarks)

Here's new info I learned from that 1915 IA Census. Stated Samuel had been in Iowa 35 years, pinpointing actual year he and Rachael left Xenia OH by covered wagon, with their first six children and settled in West Central Iowa. I had a vague date before that. Also says they are Methodist.

Also, it asks for Samuel's father's birthplace!! That's John Leroy. Born in New Jersey. Mother in Ohio (Mary Lemar we know has excellent documentation).

John Leroy, b. 1803 New Jersey. Anyone out there have anything on this line? I read that several, (many?)Mulford's left Long Island and followed the whales to New Jersey. Anyone have a connection? I can't find anything on his parentage yet. Appreciate help, or a lead to follow.
Thanks for listening and for any help.
(Allan: contact me with email address and I'll send copy of that family portrait if you need copy, with all children ID'ed.)
I realize this is a bit long, but it was new info I've searched for a long time for and hope it helps someone else.