Have you hit a proverbial dead end in your research?

The following may help you to analyze your problem(s).

• There are approximately three generations per century.
• The average age for men to marry was 24. They rarely married before age 16.
• The average age for women to marry was 20. They rarely married before age 16.
• First marriages were usually between couples near the same age. Women generally outlived their husbands, but older widowers frequently married much younger women who had never been married before.
• Birth generally occurred at two-year intervals. Frequently the first child was born a year after marriage. As a woman aged, the interval between births grew slightly. Child bearing usually ended around age 45.
• Families and neighbors usually migrated together from their previous location. Women rarely traveled alone.
• Men usually married women from their neighborhood, but if a seemingly "strange" woman turns up, check the man's former home. Often men returned to their prior residence to find a wife.
• If you can't find an older parent, chances are he/she "went West" with a son.
• If you have a male ancestor born around 1840, strongly consider Civil War service.
• If your ancestor has a virtue name (eg Patience, Charity, Silence) consider a New England heritage.
• Children were often named for grandparents, both male and female.
• Frequently middle names or even a first name was the mother's or grandmother's maiden name, especially if the name was repeated through several related families.

Naming of Children

The naming of children often follows custom...In various cultures at various times, the naming of children with names from within the family frequently follows a set pattern. Here is a common naming pattern among the Scots:

Son -
Eldest named after paternal grandfather.
Second son named after maternal grandfather.
Third son named after the father.

Daughters -
Eldest named after the maternal grandmother.
Second daughter named after the paternal grandmother.
Third daughter named after the mother.

This may provide a clue to the relationship of various members of a family.