Who Was Marie?

August Anderson was Cecilia Anderson Peterson’s brother. He lived in Kewanee, Illinois, first with his mother Inga and later with his wife Marie/Mae (Dewitt), whom he married on December 26, 1912. According to the 1920 U.S. Census they lived on Ross Street in Kewanee with Inga. In the 1930 U.S. Census they are listed with an “adopted daughter” Marie, who was 14 years old at that time. In the 1940 U.S. Census young Marie is nowhere to be found.

1930 U.S. Census, Kewanee, Henry Co., Illinois

I have two pictures of Marie with August and Mae. In one, Marie looks to be about 6. In the second one, Marie is a little older, perhaps close to the age of 14. (August, Mae, and Marie are named on the back, probably written by Cecilia)

August, Mae, and little Marie Anderson, date unknown

August, Mae, and young Marie Anderson, date unknown

Marie is also in a group photo with the rest of the Peterson clan.

Back Row: Mr. Eckwall, Uncle Andrew Pierson (Grandpa's brother), Harry, Uncle Gust, Grandpa P., Grandma Anderson
2nd Row: Letha Larson, Nina, Hildur, Helen, Mrs. Larson, Grandma
Front row: Lil, Gilbert, Marie Anderson, Alice Elmer

Does anyone know anything about the young Marie? Where did she come from? Was she really adopted, was she a foster child, or was she their biological daughter and the census is wrong? My curiosity is piqued and I’d like to know more about her. I’ll keep researching, but please comment if you have any knowledge of young (or old!) Marie.