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Why does the information in the census not tie up with my records?

Don't believe everything you read on the census.

The census records are marvellous sources of information - but they can be a bit like Chinese whispers in writing! Remember that they have been written down from what people have said - the head of the household to the enumerator - then they have been copied. Finally, if you are using an online index, the indexers have often made mistakes in trying to decipher the old writing. When searching the online indexes, try taking out the place of birth - these have often been indexed incorrectly.

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