Sue- thanks to you and all who are interested in this thread. I am so happy to have some direction!

I wonder about John the Elder. I incorrectly stated that he was in Mona. There is a John there but I am fairly certain it is not a match. There is another John Corkill with a wife Elizabeth living and farming in Pella which is also in Ford county. This is the John for which I found the marriage record.

After doing some digging, either the recorder of the marriage or the indexer was Maybe not familiar with the names as Elizabeth's maiden name is shown as Cutheman when in fact it was Chrisman. I have found her obituary as well as other family information. She and John were not married until 1879 and had no children. She died in 1892 leaving behind her father and husband. My records how that John the elder died in 1894 so perhaps this is a match. The obituary states where she is buried and perhaps her husband is buried with her. I will try to contact the cemetary office next week. As well as the marriage county to see if I can get a copy of the record.

I also looked at the naturalization index. JJ is listed as you noted, as is another John Corkill in October 1865 in Illinois as well. Given the information we have the timing could align with the families arrival in the US. I have had absolutely no luck in finding them in the passenger records although I'm sure they are there somewhere. It is frustrating of course. So I will order both sets of documents tomorrow and see what I get.

I also noted the John/William combination living with JJ's sister. My first thought was cousins but then I thought perhaps the ages were incorrectly recorded AND that they were reported officially living with the Lewins even though they were recorded as farm hands in Galva. The census taker would not have been the same and therefore the Lewins may have also reported them. When I have some time I will try to track them to the 1880 census to see if I can find a match.

Thanks again for all your help!