Hi, Audrey: The copy of the census from which what you saw was in all probibility NOT the original. Remember that in 1850 there were neither copy machines nor carbon paper. Every entry on each of the copies (3?) that had to be made had to be written by the census taker. The original was the one with which he traveled around the county and on that one, you will most likely find complete names. By the time the census taker got home and worked by candle light or by a kerosene lamp or lantern, he was too tired to really care and would take the shortcut of using initials. Now that you know where to look, see if you can get a view of the original copy which is probably in the national archives. I expect that you will find complete names on that one. Hope this helps explain the use of initials. Later, - - - AaronGFett@aol.com wrote: > > Traci, Thanks so much. You're awesome! This is my George and yes, it is maddening that the census taker would chose to list people by initials. I can't imagine why he'd do that..... > Thanks once again! > Audrey -- ROB Robert G. Lewis EMAIL: rlew6897@rollinginternet.com Searching: LEWIS; ALFORD; FINCH; HOGG; WINBORNE; VOLIVA and others Member: The National Genealogical Society; The Alford American Family Association; The Tar River Connections Genealogical Society