"The Freeborn County Standard," 4 August 1870, page 1: THE YOUNG WIDOW A census-taker, going his round, stopped at an elegant brick dwelling house, the exact locality of which is no business of ours. He was received by a stiff, well-dressed lady, who could well be recognized as a widow of some years standing. On learning the mission of her visitor, the lady invited him to take a seat in the hall. Having arranged himself in a working position, he inquired for the number of persons in the family of the lady. "Eight, sir," replied the lady, including myself." "Very well--your age madam?" "My age, sir," replied the lady, with a piercing dignified look. "I conceive it's none of your business what my age might be; you are very inquisitive, sir." "The law compels me, madam, to take the age of every person in the ward; it s my duty to make the inquiry." "Well, if the law compels you to ask, I presume it compels me to answer. I am between thirty and forty." "I presume that means thirty-five." "No sir, it means no such thing--I am only thirty-three years of age." "Very well, madam," putting down the figures," just as you say. Now for the ages of your children, commencing with the youngest, if you please." "Josephine, my youngest, is ten years of age." "Josephine--pretty name--ten." "Minerva was twelve last week." "Minerva--captivating--twelve." "Cleopatra Elvira has turned fifteen." "Cleopatra Elvira--charming--fifteen." Angelina is eighteen, sir; just eighteen." "Angelina--favorite name--eighteen." "My oldest and only married daughter, sir, Anna Sophia, is a little over twenty-five." "Twenty-five did you say?" "Yes, sir. Is there anything remarkable in her being of that age." "Well, no, I can't say that there is; but is it not remarkable that you should be her mother when you were only eight years of age?" About that time the census-taker was observed running out of the house, why, we cannot say. It was the last time he pressed a lady to give her exact age. (from www.ancestry.com) Sally Rolls Pavia Sun City, AZ [email protected]