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Archiver > PABRADFO > 2003-05 > 1053885632


From: "Ray W. Justus" <>
Subject: [Tri-Counties] Accuracy of ages listed in Federal Census Records
Date: Sun, 25 May 2003 11:00:38 -0700
References: <HPEBLPLBFFCGJKPDDLAIIEABCBAA.oink@mho.com>


I'm confused. If a person is listed as age 32 instead of 33, does that mean
the information is unreliable? Whenever I record age information from a
census in my database I incude the word about. Is that wrong? If it is,
please explain to me why? A private explanation will be fine.

My experience with census information is that, as a general rule, it is
accurate. I know that because I have backed it up with primary records when
they were available. I'm not saying that federal census information is
perfect. I am saying it is reliable. I stand by that conclusion based on
nearly three decades of experience. I subscribe to the Verify! Verify!
Verify! ethics of good genealogy but I do not throw away data because
someone with unknown credentials says census information is unreliable. I
think they are wrong.

Regarding the first name, middle name comment: My great-grandfather was
Jesse Samuel Hutton. When he was a child, on some censuses he was listed as
Samuel J. and on others he was listed as Jesse S. I have no birth record
for him. I do not know which is correct but I list him as Jesse Samuel
because that is the name he used as an adult. I am satisfied that I have
preserved the information accurately.

I will be quiet now.

Ray Justus
Chandler, AZ




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