In my continuing efforts to find out more about my GGGrandfather John J.
Cameron, I keep running into more roadblocks. In the 1880 census for Wadena
MN. His age is listed as 35. His wife Millie is 32. The census was
supposed to be taken in June (however the space for the day in June is
blank). Here's the problem, In his affidavit to the county clerk re: His
homestead application, he swears that he is 39 on Dec. 5th 1883??????? I am
positive that I have the right census and land papers. But without the right
birthyear it makes it hard to trace him into Canada as there is soooo many
John Cameron's. In order for both to be right the census would have had to
be taken in mid December (unlikely in Minnesota!). I am inclined to believe
the land papers as he is sworn and present. Does anybody have any words of
wisdom on the accuracy of census data? Any stories out there about wrong
birthdates or ages? Thanks for letting me VENT. Dean Cameron