Hi,

Census taking was and is not an exact science. Information was not always gathered from the family - or from a family member that was head of household. Sometimes neighbors provided the information.

Many family relationships and surnames vary from census period to census period, which is why we use the census only as a general guide - other more specific records should be obtained (birth, death, marriage). I have children listed as "son" in census data who turn out to be grandchildren, adopted, or nephews. Some of the sons are actually daughters. Spellings vary as well.

Denise