Census| Census for North Lake |
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| Written by Bill Boone |
| Thursday, 24 September 2009 21:20 |
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The early census compilers were notorious for creating confusing reports. Usually from the community they were recording, many were working men (very few women did this job) of average education. Not only did they spell poorly, but not infrequently recorded the name as the person was known - not necessarily the name they were christened with. Not to mention poor handwriting. For example, in one census taking the person was recorded as "Nell"; the next one as "Sarah". She was commonly known as " Nellie" in the community. This naturally raises a question in the mind of those who did not know her: Is it the same woman? Or was he married twice? In addition, those in later years who transcribed the data occasionally recorded the information erroneously as they tried to interpret the illegible entries. All in all, not the most reliable documents on record. It's almost as much fun trying to decipher the census data as it is in finding that long lost relative. So, accept the material with a healthy dose of skepticism and be sure to verify from other sources. |
| Last Updated on Friday, 25 September 2009 09:19 |
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