Hi!

I've posted variations of this query, but I think I need to stick with the Silva surname.

Louis P Selby was born in Portugal March 12, 1838, according to his obituary, and died on November 15, 1906, also according to his obituary. Census records show variations of his surname until he arrived in California when it was changed to Selby. My immediate family has said that the original name was Silva, but I can't seem to find anything to verify that.

The first US record for him is the 1870 US census, showing him with his wife, Bridget Delia, his son John, and daughter Maggie. His first child, John, was born in Illinois in 1867. I have been unable to locate a marriage record; however, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 probably destroyed it.

Subsequent census records indicate that Louis and his wife married in 1867, that Louis immigrated in 1860, and that Bridget Delia immigrated in 1866. Louis became naturalized in 1888 according to voter registries. I can't verify any of the immigration information; however I did locate a record in the Passenger and Immigration List Index, 1500s-1900s that lists a Louis P. Silva, dated 1868 in Pennsylvania. I can't tell if it is an immigration record, an initial request for naturalization or something else. I also can't verify if this record should be attached to my ancestor.

I appreciate any and all assistance to locate his birth record/christening record, names of his parents, marriage record, and immigration record.

Thank you!