Finally a truly complete reference to what State Census records are available, what information they contain, and where to find them. About six years ago I had the opportunity to view a 1776 State Census microfilm for the State of Maryland while helping a patron at the BYU Family History Library. I was thrilled at the amount of detail that the enumerator had included in this record. I wanted more information about which states had taken Censuses and where I could view the films or the original records. I have searched through every genealogy how to book and article I could find. Those that did list information about the State Census gave very general information like, yes these states did a State Census for 1855, but not for all counties. I wanted to know which counties, what information was collected, and where I could look at the records. State Census Records is the most complete guide I have read. Though Ann modestly gives much credit to those researchers that contributed to the knowledge base of this book, it is obvious that Ann herself has done extensive research and is certainly the leading expert in State Censuses. She gives real details about each State's Census records, when they were done, what the record included, and where you can find a copy to view. She also details information for if a State Census was not done and shows if there are other records that would give the same information and many other helpful details.

As an example of the extensive information you can glean from reading this book is the first paragraph of the Maryland section. It says, "Maryland did not take any censuses after statehood, but in 1776 a census of the population was taken. For most areas this census lists the head of household and the rest of the people in each household in age categories... But a few of the enumerators listed all members of the household with their ages, and a few even listed the names and ages of the blacks in each hous ehold" (53). Ann goes on to describe the information that was collected for each county by township, and that transcriptions of this Census have been published twice. She lists the authors' names and the year of the publication of these transcriptions. This kind of completeness is typical throughout the book.

In the Chapter on Massachusetts she writes that the 1855 and 1865 State Censuses are being published town by town. Then she generously offers to send a brochure that lists each town's prices per volume. She says that 71 towns have been completed.

Even the Preface and Introduction to State Census Records bears serious contemplation. A quote from the Introduction will demonstrate what I mean. "State Censuses may not be closed to the public for a 72 year period as federal censuses are; in fact some state censuses taken as recently as 1945 are available to the public...The biggest gap in federal census records was occasioned by the loss of most of the 1890 Census. Many state or territorial censuses were taken in 1885, 1892, 1895 and can fill in the 20 year gap" (9).

The price of $17.95 is a small amount to pay for this detailed and well researched book. I rate it as a must have for anyone researching US records. It is available on Amazon.com. Click the link below if you would like to order this exceptional genealogical resource. State Census Records written by Ann S. Lainhart.

Article written by Cindy Carman