This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ThomasKer2 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.counties.adams/7699.1.2.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Facts you should know about the early census records - All census records prior to the 1850 census only listed the head of household; whether male or female. NO specific age was stated for any family member NO place of birth was stated - city, state, or country NO city, town, or village is stated - only the county NO street address was stated NO marital status was stated - single, married, widowed, divorced NO family relationship was stated - brother, sister, cousin, son, daughter, wife, inlaw, etc. NO occupation was stated NO parental birthplaces are stated NO race was stated [but assume "white"] 1850, 1860 & 1870 census records do not show family relationships or parental birthplaces. Step children are not enumerated as "step" children 1850 is the 1st census that lists all family members Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.