Ruth E Flint born Berne, Albany, NY 1849

I came upon Ruth listed in census records with David Smith and his wife Rachel in Rensselaerville (near Berne), at times listed as grandchild and later as adopted daughter. The first listing was a state census in 1855 when Ruth was 6. That afforded me the opportunity to find her with her parents in the 1850 federal census. It seems they were Joseph M Flint (who died in 1854) and Sabra Ann Ticknor. Ruth was the 3rd of their 5 children and the only one NOT found in any later census record with her widowed, and later remarried, mother. In the 1860 census Sabra appeared with second husband Levi Bailey, living in Berne, with daugthers Mary Ann 16 and Caroline 7 plus 10 month old son DeWitt Bailey. Her sons Seth and David Flint were not in the household.

Rachel Smith's maiden name has not yet been discovered, but she was born about 1813. David was born in 1809. It seems that she and David likely married about 1831, so it does not seem too likely that they were actually the grandparents of Ruth. I have been trying to propose various scenarios, but knowing Sabra's maiden name and having found her parents, that does not seem to be the link. I have not found the parents of Joseph Flint who was born in 1827.

It also seems odd that Ruth was the only child living away from her mother ... could it be that she was not actually the child of Sabra and Joseph? More investigation is needed ! None of those named are actually part of my family line, but were neighbors / associates of my ancestors. The situation just struck me as odd ... so, I'll keep looking for an explanation.

Get to know the in-laws

I do believe that knowing the in-laws, finding the cousins, discovering how families intermarried makes the family history story richer ... and sometimes does help you piece together otherwise unknown relationships.  Finding someone listed as nephew or mother-in-law can breakdown your brick wall.