Lynn,

I am not sure how much research you have done to this point on your ancestor, but a couple comments.

First, Saline county is part of a coal mining region in Southern Illinois nicknamed "Little Egypt". There is a lot of mining history in the area and if you experience problems finding your ancestors, definately try the nearby counties of Franklin, Williamson, Perry and Jackson. Also, the Illinois Secretary of State's office has a state wide death index online that begins around 1916. I would check it for your surnames. It does give the race of individuals in most instances. They have a marriage index too, but I think it pre-dates your ancestors arrival.

Second, as you are probably aware, Buxton, Iowa is legendary for being this ideal place to live and work for African Americans for the first quarter of the 19th century. In addition to the book on this community (see my website), there are a couple of publications you may be interested in getting that are sold by the state genealogical society. They are: MONROE COUNTY IOWA MARRIAGES AFRICAN AMERICAN 1900-1929 GROOM INDEX & BRIDE INDEX and MONROE COUNTY IOWA CEMETERIES BUXTON.

Good hunting