Can anyone give me some advise on the 1840 census in TN? My George Warren Bridges is in 1850 census with wife Sara and children. In 1840 census there is a George W. Bridges, but only has the numbers after it, and no names,only how many people in the family. How can I determine if this is MY George W. and not another? There is a George Washington Bridges in that area. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. patty pmoorep66@hotmail.com

Patty, See if the ages of the children in 1850 census minus 10 years correlate to the marks under the different age groupings in 1840 census.I would try to locate 1850 census for the other George Washington Bridges and see correlation to his children listed in 1850 to the 1840 marks also. If you're lucky, the marks will correspond to 1850 children. The marks may not match up to either family. I'm sure you know ages can vary for individuals on different censuses. Also check for any land records in 1840. I have the same census problem with two families with men having same first name. The marks matched for some of the children, but not others. Of course some children could die in that 10 year period also. I think census from 1840 back are a nightmare! I've started to gather info on 4 John Wardens in Tn during Civil War, to try and see if I can determine who the parents of my John Warden were. I also have the same problem with mutliple William G. Averitts in same time period. I think a lot of folks end up researching who ever has the same surname in an area to build up a database of info. You might learn on an 1890 will, who individuals on 1850 census are related to. Good luck on your searching, Jeanne