James and Laveda;

The way I read that census image is that Ella Bell and Addie are the sisters-in-law of Bob Smith, which would probably make them the sisters of his wife, Clara. Of course, more research would be needed to prove/disprove this theory. I'm also intrigured by the family enumerated just before them, the Wilson Hill family, where there are three Bailey boarders listed, all having been b. in Louisiana (and both parents also b. Louisiana), just like Ella and Addie. It's possible that there's also a family relationship between them as well.

If I were you, I'd concentrate on trying to find a marriage record for her, since she was listed as a single mother in 1900, it's possible that she married later. Not sure what's online for Louisiana research, but I know there is a TON of information on CD, microfilm, and in printed sources.

Good luck in your search, and let us know if we can be of futher assistance to you.

- Lisa B. Lee, PLCGS
Oakland, CA