One possible reason that you don't find him in the other census years is because of name spellings. Also, you might check a nearby county (Jefferson, St. Louis COUNTY). Another, you won't find him listed in the 1890 census, because there is no 1890 census. Well, some parts survived a fire, but none for Missouri. The 1890 directories won't help either, because they were for the city (St. Louis). But you really should check out different spellings, and a nearby county. Good luck! Michelle muesic@msn.com http://muesicmo.tripod.com <snip> Dyson -- McCoy Dyson is listed in the 1880 Census in Boeuf County with his family. There is no record of him before or after this date. I know that he was in NC as late as 1857. The Census list his oldest child as 16 and being born in MO which puts him in the area in 1864. I know that he also had an older daughter who was born in MO in 1859. So my question is this? How is it that he is not listed in the 1860, 1870 ... 1890 or 1900 Census Records? Family Folklore has it that McCoy Dyson stayed in the Franklin County area all of his adult life. Any suggestions on where else to search out his whereabouts?