This can explain many problems in locating a family. The census is not always correct. For a child at home on that day, if above the age of sixteen, they could give family information. Take your own family into consideration. As in our case, most often, it is an educated guess.
Quick wealth is usually suspect.
Don't count him out yet. It's possible depending on whether he moved. Final Rites . If he was an old settler, he probably made the newspaper if one was available. Dividing up the spoils.