Missouri State and Territorial Census Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection consists of an index and digital images of extant state and territorial censuses for early counties in Missouri. This collection includes records from the Missouri State Archives and from FamilySearch. Images and index data will be added to this collection as they become available. Note: The 1844 census for Gasconade County seems to be a summary of population statistics and does not include names.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Census
 * Name of every person who resided in the family
 * Relationship to head of household
 * Age or age range
 * Marital status
 * Gender
 * Race
 * Place of birth
 * Religious belief
 * Information relevant to military service
 * If a foreigner, whether or not naturalized
 * Whether literate or not (by age category, under or over 10 years old)
 * Any disabilities
 * Occupation

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The name of a relative or date of the event

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the Census Place
 * 2) Select the Record title, year to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Search for vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death
 * Search for the family in federal census records
 * If the men listed in the household are subject to military service they may have military files in the State or National Archives
 * Search for church, land, and probate records

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you identify possible relations that can be verified by records
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby locality
 * Standard spelling of names typically did not exist. Try variations of your ancestor’s name while searching the index or browsing through images
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Missouri.
 * Missouri Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.