Odd Information in the Census of 1880

Our puzzling look for records related to Luke and Celia Cartrett continues with the 1880 U.S. Census. This time, some of the ages, and the spelling of the last name, change once more!

The enumerator recorded the family on either the 25th or 28th day of June, 1880. They have moved again, and now live in the Whiteville Township of Columbus County, North Carolina.

It was difficult to find this record. In fact, if another genealogist hadn't pointed me to it, I may never have found it. Why? Oddly enough, the family last name is listed as Cotrell! So, we've now seen Luke and Celia's last names recorded in the U.S. Census records as Cartrett, Cartrette, and Cotrell.

Luke remains a farmer by occupation, but his age is again not what we would expect it to be. Since he was born in about 1831, he should be about 49. Here, he is listed as 51.

The other data listed in the 1880 Census record, compared to what was expected:

Recorded: Cela, Age 45*; Expected: Celia, Age 45 or 46
Recorded: Hughie P, Age 15; Expected: Henry P, Age 20
Recorded: Andrew, Age 13; Expected: Ander, Age 13 or 14
Recorded: Elizabeth, Age 12; Expected: Elizabeth, Age 12
Recorded: Martha, Age 10; Expected: Martha, Age 10
Recorded: Eddie, Age 6; Expected: *New child*

We know that Celia was born in June of 1834. Since she is listed here as age 45, we can assume that her birthday is AFTER June 25th.

Next time: The last known record for Luke and Celia.