I was wondering if there was a particular reason why so many households in the NC 1850's and 60's had no man listed with their families in the census. I know the 60's was the war so it is understandable but why the 50's? Was the census taken for actual persons in the house at the time the surveyer came - perhaps the men were working on farms and their number taken there? I suppose this sounds dumb to most but it has been keeping me back in trying to locate certain heads of families. Thanks group! Barbara