This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Jg.2ADI/1321.1 Message Board Post: Yes Connie, a federal census was taken every 10 yrs and there is one for 1850. But it would be better if your friend posted more information regarding specific individuals. "Blanket" surname searches, especially for the common ones such as you indicate, are not usually a good idea. If your friend is new to genealogy, there are lots of good folk out here who are more than willing to help. Dick