Hannah, 

Please keep in mind that the 1870 census was conducted during the period of Reconstruction and Federal occupation of the South. It's a very interesting census, especially if you are researching southern states. Some call it the worst census ever taken. Others call it the best. I consider it a very interesting read. Good luck with all your research, and keep in mind the period of time in question, who was in charge, why they did what they did, who was hired, why they were hired,  what they were expected to report and not report, who refused to even participate, and who knew what about whom.

Craig Kilby
Lancaster, VA


On Oct 25, 2010, at 5:04 PM, Hannah Powell wrote:

> The 1860 Federal Census does not appear to be as strange as the 1870 Federal Census.  I do a lot of work using the census records and I always have to figure that the head of household may be 4-5 years off in age.  There are many double listings also.  It seems when reading these records that the information must come from something other than a visit from the census taker.
> Hannah Powell

______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html