United States Census 1820

Content
The 1820 Census was taken beginning 7 August 1820, for thirteen months. The following information, in addition to the name of the head of the household, was recorded by the census taker:

White Inhabitants

 * Free White Males under 10
 * Males 10-16
 * Males 16-18
 * Males 16-26
 * Males 26-45
 * Males 45 and over
 * Females same, but no 16-18

Slave Inhabitants

 * Slave Males under 14
 * Slave Males 14-26
 * Slave Males 26-45
 * Slave Males 45 and over
 * Slave Females same as Males

Free Colored Inhabitants

 * Free Colored Males under 14
 * Free Colored Males 14-26
 * Free Colored Males 26-45
 * Free Colored Males 45 and over
 * Free Colored Females same as Males

Additional Information

 * "All other persons except Indians not taxed"
 * Foreigners not naturalized
 * Occupational categories: Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufacturing

1790-2000 Info

Value
Use the 1820 Census to:


 * Identify locality
 * Distinguish target family from others of same name
 * Help determine family size
 * Locate possible relatives with same name
 * Identify neighbors
 * Identify slaveholders
 * Identify name variations
 * Free men of color listed as head of household
 * Slaves in age group by name of owner
 * Naturalization column may indicate length of residency in U.S. to find papers

1790-1840 Search Tips

Unique Features and Problems

 * 1) Breaks down the male group, 16-26, into two groups.
 * 2) Lists the number of persons not naturalized
 * 3) Occupation (agriculture, commercial, manufacture)
 * 4) African Americans are placed in separate groups: Free or slave
 * 5) Ages for the African Americans are broken into categories
 * 6) No printed form or paper provided
 * 7) Indians not taxed are not included

States and Territories Covered
States

Territories


 * Arkansas
 * Florida
 * Michigan
 * Missouri
 * Oregon (also a part of Britain)

Where to Find the Records
The 1820 Federal Census is available online.

Online


 * 1820 United States Federal Census (Ancestry) ($)
 * (FamilySearch) - free

Websites
1790-2000 Info

1790-1840 Search Tips