Hi everyone,
I have been researching source documentation for John Rice (b. 1794, d. 1853 Center, Ralls, MO). I am trying to reconcile some discrepancies in his household in the 1830-1850 US Census records.
Briefly, I have a marriage record dated December 17, 1821 for marriage between him and Mary Andrew McMurtry (b. 1801, d. 1870-1880 based on census records) in Garrard County, MO. He and his brothers moved to Ralls County, MO sometime around 1829 (reportedly based on his daughter Mary Ellen's obituary, although I have not been able to verify that myself). Beginning in 1834, I have multiple federal land patents for John Rice buying and expanding his farm just southeast of present day Center, Ralls, MO.
Working backwards, the 1850 US Census lists his five known younger children by name, including Mary Ellen (b. 1827, freshly married to David Griffin, both living in the house) Alexander (b. 1830), Charles (b. 1833), Martha Jane (b. 1836), and Eliza Ann (b. 1838). Not listed is Elizabeth Jane (b. 1824). Link to 1850 census
The 1840 US Census is where things get weird. There is only one John Rice in all of Ralls County, MO, and he is in the correct location (Jasper Township at that time). The oldest male and female are the correct ages for him and Mary Andrew McMurtry. There are two boys between the ages of 5 and 10 (Charles and likely Alexander, who appears to have been born late 1830, after the enumeration date here). But there is also another unknown male listed between 15 and 20 years old. Then there are two girls between 0 and 5 (Eliza Ann and Martha Jane) and two girls between 5 and 10 (I assume Mary Ellen and Elizabeth Jane were mistakenly listed here). Neighbors in nearby households generally match up well. Link to 1840 census
Moving on to the 1830 Census, there is only one John Rice in all of Ralls County, this time in adjacent Spencer Township (before he purchased his farm). Again, the oldest male and female are the correct ages for John and Mary Andrew. There are two girls listed, one 0-5 (Mary Ellen) and one 5-10 (Elizabeth Jane). However, there's also a boy listed 5-10, which appears to correspond with our mystery 15-20 year old boy in the 1840 census. Link to 1830 census
I am wondering if anyone has any information on whether John Rice may have had an unknown son (presumably born between 1821 and 1824). I am fairly confident the John Rice listed as head of household in these three records is the same individual. I realize census records have errors, but in this case, we have two back-to-back census records with corresponding errors.
Thanks!
