Even though you may not know the maiden name of a female ancestor, census records can be a valuable tool in trying to locate them. The 1850-1880 are particularly good resources. Most of the 1890 census was lost and after 1900 better records were being kept. The chances of finding a marriage record for your couple were improving greatly.
1880 was the first census to give relationships of those enumerated to the head of the household. If you see a person listed as an in-law, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, then you may have a clue to the maiden name of the spouse.
In-laws would be the best clue. However, the father-in-law could be a step-father to the wife, as could the mother-in-law. Aunts, uncles and cousins could be from the husband's family. Backtrack to see the marital status of the in-laws and the relationship of the other relatives.
In he 1850-1870 censuses, relationships were not given. It is easy to assume that all of the people listed with a common surname are husband, wife, children, etc. Don't bet on it! Look at the ages to see how they match up to the head of the household. Pay particular attention to people enumerated with other surnames. If the wife is deceased, a sister or other close relative may have moved in to help raise the children. An older widow could be the wife's mother. Confirm the identity of everyone in the household.
Check neighboring families to see if they are "missing" daughter's that are close to the age of your ancestor. Also look for younger children who might have been apprenticed to a relative, or has moved in to help out with work or children.
If the kids have unusual names, look for that name among neighboring families. We're talking names like Alphonso, Ural, Cornelius, Magdalina and Hortense, not John, William, Sarah and Catherine.
Also look at the birthplaces of the spouse, that could also be a clue.
It is important to remember that families tended to migrate in groups. They also tended to associate with neighboring families or families that attended the same church. Odds of your great-grandfather who lived in Cincinnati marrying a woman from Louisville were slim, unless great-grandfather traveled to Louisville on a regular basis. If he stayed near home, chances are he married another Cincinnatian. Keep both situations in mind.
Examine the census records carefully for clues to possible family relationships. You may need to look at just one page, or you may need to look several pages forward and several back. Take the time needed; it could pay big dividends!
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