I have found that the term inmate meant ...also living in the same household but not necessarily related to the head of the household. I know in one instance where I found this term the "inmate" was a stepson to the head of the house. A genealogical dictionary that I have says - another person in the house such as a boarder or renter. Pat In a message dated 11/29/2004 7:54:09 AM Central Standard Time, BEARLYCAROL@aol.com writes: << I have found the term "inmate" listed beside a name or names in at least 2 different census records I have reseached. In each case the "inmate" was listed with a family, not in an institution. Example: John Sosebee - inmate, age 21 was listed with the Michael Stoner family in 1850. Does anyone know to what "inmate" referred? Carol >>