As a result of information I have posted to help fellow Davis researchers, I have received several messages, such as the following excerpts, which prompt this message about the use of Federal Census Records as a tool for Family History research: "George, I'm really impressed with the data you've been putting into the Davis mailing list; think I can hit you with a challenge? ...." (extra large snip) "Hi George.... I saw your e-mails helping out on a Stephen Davis for someone and I was wondering if you recall running across a Nathan and Mary (Scott) Davis and son Levi Davis and his wife Malinda Vandiver Ray Davis? ..." (large snip) "I just saw you posting on the Davis email list. I was wondering what you were using for sources to find them that fast. I have some elusive Davis's I am trying to find. Do you have a census index? Or was this a family you already had? I am always looking for suggestions or help." The Constitution of the United States requires that a census be conducted at least every 10 years for proper apportioning of taxes (and other benefits) and Congressional Representatives (approximately every 500,000 people in an area equates to one Congressman, or woman, in the U.S. House of Representatives. I will omit discussions about how the States gerrymander the Districts to insure the probable political persuasion of these elected officials, and how & why a certain political party wants to make quesstimates by so-called statistical sampling instead of actual enumerations). Fortunately for us family historians the 1790 census exceeded its Constitutional mandate to simply count the states populations, setting the precedent of naming Heads of Households and categorizing numbers of individuals in the household by age and gender. The form, detail, and genealogical quality of census information has evolved and improved through the years, and it behoves each family history researcher to know and use the census information that is available. The States' decennial schedules from 1790 to 1920 (with some exceptions) have been preserved on microfilm. These records can be viewed at the National Archives in Washington D.C., regional branches of the National Archives, the Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, and other public, private, and institutional libraries throughout the country. Family Tree Maker's Family Archives has individual state Indexes available on CD-ROM, and it has a bundle of selected (i.e., available indexes) that it sells called "United States Census Bundle 1607-1880." In addition they sell CD-ROMs of actual census records of the following: Penn., 1850; Indiana, 1850 and 1860; and Illinois 1850. The 1850 records are very useful because that is the first time the enumerations contain ALL the people in the household by name, age, occupation/trade, and place of birth. It is important to know that most available indexes ONLY index the names of Heads of Households! Their census records and indexes, plus other valuable genealogical resources, are available at Genealogical bookstores throughout the country and On- Line at <http://www.GenealogyLibrary.com>. They charge $9.99 per month for unlimited use of their On-line library, or $99.99 per year. One should also remember that starting in 1880 the relationship to the head of household was specified for each person enumerated as well as the place of birth of their father and mother. Another important bit of information about ages enumerated after 1850 is that they SHOULD reflect information as of "Census Day" which was June 1st of the year of enumeration, and NOT the day of enumeration. The 1870 indexes offered by Heritage Quest <http://www.heritagequest.com/genealogy/CD-ROM/> are useful because they contain the age and place of birth of the indexed individuals for the states of IL, OH, MD & D.C., DE & NJ, NC & SC, GA, PA, TN, VA & W VA, with MO and IN expected in 1999. They sell their CDs for $14.95 for members and $19.95 for non-members. Using Indexes it is possible to "Search" by State, Last name, County, Location, Page Number, etc., etc., and with the microfilm of the actual census enumeration be able to identify the Name, age, place of birth, and occupation of each member of a household plus the same type of information for neighbors who may be related or the temporary abode of a missing family member. The CD-ROMS are copyrighted and as such the copyright laws the Unites States and International treaties apply. Copyright law permits sharing of small quantities of data with family friends and friends, and with clients. I am not a professional genealogist and do not do individual look-ups for people. I have hired others to do this for me, and I am willing to recommend the names of people who will do look-ups in limited areas for a reasonable fee which is about $15 per hour plus expenses for travel, admission, etc. if they are required. Good Hunting, George W. Page Col., U.S. Army (Ret.) Bryans Rd, MD Researching: PAGE; BROWN; FANAGAN; WOODS; NIXON; LINDSAY; FISHER; FINCH; DAVIS (but have No family connection to a DAVIS).