In regards to census research: If your ancestor's mother remarried, I would suggest you check the 1850 and 1860 census index for her husband's surname. You should also look in the index for her childs surname. If you do not find either one of them listed, then search through the complete census record for that particular county. If you still have trouble finding them, then check the index for the surrounding counties, and it may be necessary to search everyone with that surname listed in the index for the entire state. I find that the index to the census records often contain errors, the most common being the wrong spelling of a surname. It is also possible to find the wrong county listed as their place of residence, or the wrong page number. Generally, the child should be listed under his own surname, and not his stepfathers. However, use caution, as I did find my husband's great grandfather listed in the 1870 census of Wood County, Texas under his stepfather's last name. So expect anything when searching for your ancestor in the census records. Hope this helps. Sincerely, Patricia Laird Howard