Research - A Day in the Life of a Writer

Whenever I begin a new writing project, I enjoy digging in and learning new things as I research. Today I've been trying to find out more information about proxy marriages from the 19th century as well as information about the American Zoo, which actually was the Philadelphia Zoo. I was trying to discover if it featured an elephant when it opened, but I'm not sure. I think by 1878 they had four of the creatures, but I need to know for 1875 since this is when my new novel takes place. I actually have been trying to find out if there were any elephants in the U.S. during the mid 1800's. I learned that in 1855 Dan Rice had a circus which featured and elephant that walked a tightrope. As a historical writer, I try to be as historically accurate as possible. It's all part of the day in the life of a writer. :)