Back to 1880

My next search was to see if I could find Oliver with his parents in the 1880 census. My excitement was bubbling over when I spotted a listing for him in Boone County, IA. Searching the record I discovered he was listed as a nephew in the home of Orlow Oviatt. Since the last name was the same logically this must be his father's brother. Okay - not as much luck as I had hoped for but definitely another clue.

1880 Census,  Cass, Boone County, Iowa; roll T9 328, Family History Film 1254328, Page: 212.4000, Enumeration District: 13

Being new to family history research I knew there were other types of records available but I decided to stay with the census data (for now, anyway). Later I did expand my research to birth, death and regional records. My next step was to check to see if I could locate Orlow Oviatt in the 1870 census - hoping for further connections.

More excitement - he was listed in the 1870 census. My enthusiasm was quickly dashed when I found him residing in the household of Job B. Vernon. His occupation was listed as Farmer. Could there was a connection between the Oviatt's and Vernon's?  In my research since I have not found any link between them - he was probably working the farm with Job Vernon.

In genealogy there is a technique called "cluster" genealogy, which is the practice of branching out beyond one's ancestor to research individuals and families that are connected in some way. Often people in the same location are linked either by family or marriage so the connection with the Vernon's was plausible.

Had I been more intuitive and educated on Cluster Genealogy I may not have missed a valuable connection in the 1880 census that I had just transcribed. Later on I came back to the 1880 census looking for additional ancestors. On the same page that listed Orlow I discovered a connection to the Hurst family. Oliver Oviatt's wife, Roxie is Roxanne Hurst. William Buck is the nephew of Leander Hurst, the grandfather of Roxanne and Melinda Williams is her aunt. It truly is a small world.

At the time I had no idea that William Buck and L.B. Williams would be a connection.