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

Next Four Columns

 * Foreigners not naturalized
 * Number of persons engaged in agriculture
 * Number of persons engaged in commerce
 * Number of persons engaged in manufacture

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

1790-1840 Census 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)

Missing Records
The 1820 Census records for Currituck, Franklin, Martin, Montgomery, Randolph, and Wake counties of North Carolina are missing.

Where to Find the Records
The 1820 Federal Census is available online. Online
 * 1820 United States Federal Census (Ancestry) ($)
 * (FamilySearch) - free

Websites
1790-1840 Search Tips

United States Census Population Schedules 1820 - FamilySearch Historical Records