The U.S. federal census, on its face, does not appear to be the most intimate of records in which to get to know your ancestors. However, in addition to dishing out facts on their residence, relationships, occupation, and economic status, at times, it will inadvertently shed light on one's perceived identity. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and details on a census are in the hands of the enumerator! (Left to right) Nelson F. Hinman, Marie Hinman, Margaret (Miller) Hinman, Fanny Louise Hinman, Orlin Hinman, Ethel Hinman, Edith (Goddard) Hinman. Boone, Iowa. 1 Aug 1925. Photo privately held by Sandra Vallo. There's one particular enumeration that comes to mind when thinking about a 'document with personality' and that's the 1950 U.S. federal census. At the time it was recorded, my great grandmother, Ethel (Hinman) Eggenberger, was living with her sister, Fanny (Hinman) Stephenson, in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California. Both women were wido...