Mark,
I think I have a partial answer to your puzzle
about Phoebe. There is a marriage in Perry County, IL
of Phoebe H. Nickens to M.L. Shrum (I had the name
written as Strum, but seems likely it is your Marcus?)
The marriage date was 23 Dec. 1886. I have other
information on Nickens if you would like to contact me.
jnvaldez@lamar.colostate.eduJan