There is something else to keep in mind when working with census records: it is possible to "lose" a female family member between 1880 and 1900. This is possible because the 1890 census was almost completely destroyed in a fire before it was microfilmed. So, if a daughter was born to a family after the 1880 census was recorded, say 1881 or later, she may have married before the 1900 census was taken. Then, she would be recorded by her married name (Surname, that is)on the 1900 census. Sometimes, a person can search near the parents of the "lost" female, by looking for a female with the same first name, and of about the same age, as the "lost" family member. If a possibility is found, then marriage records in the county of residence may confirm the identity. It works! I have done it.

Mike Mc