What was Charlotte's Maiden Name?

While working on the Ludington family of New York State, I found conflicting information on Charlotte, the wife of Nelson (1818-1883).  Both Charlotte and Nelson were born in New York but migrated to Wisconsin and then settled in Chicago. 

They married in 1842 and a Wisconsin marriage record was found for Nelson and Charlotte J. Van Alstine.  However, in later census records, her mother was living with them with a surname of Spencer.  So, might Charlotte have been born Spencer and previously married to a Mr VanAlstine?

Since Charlotte had married in 1842, it would be impossible to find her listed in the federal census with her birth name since only the head of household was identified in the 1840 census. Additionally, no household with either of the suspected surnames was found in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin census for 1840.

Lucky for me they lived in Milwaukee where city and county records can often be found online and prove to be very helpful.  Although I had found Charlotte and Nelson’s marriage recorded on FamilySearch, I also checked the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society’s Bride listing … and there was my answer.

Bride: Van Alstin, Charlotte J.          groom: Nelson Ludington     year:1842

Bride: Mrs. Aurelia Van Alstyne       groom: William Spencer       year:1843

The VanAlstine name is spelled differently almost every time I find it.

With that information I could confirm that Charlotte’s mother Aurelia was with her second husband William Spencer in the 1850 census and HER mother was apprarently with them: Betsey Hollister. I thought that I might be able to find a marriage record for Aurelia Hollister and her first husband, but no luck so far. However, I did find some online trees listing her husband as Andrew. I won't take that as valid until I find some reliable record, but it's a good start.  Charlotte's death certificate noted that her father (who was not named) was born in Balston, New York.

It always helps to check your local area or state for additional records they may be transcribing or digitizing.  The options seem to be increasing at a fast rate. 

Maybe I'll be lucky with Balston, NY.