Hi, I think I have responded to everyone who answered my query about the 1870 census but if I missed you, I do apologize. As it turns out ancestry.com uses the index to the 1870 census and that doesn't include children. I didn't know that, so if you use that particular one and your person doesn't show up don't be disappointed. I found out after I submitted my question that my son had seen the census on film and the children were there. Talk about a lack of communication! Thank you again to everyone who answered and all those who offered help and suggestions. I'll keep them in mind in the future. Rita