Your Guide to the Federal Census: For Genealogists, Researchers, and Family Historians

Rating:
Summary: A Must Have For Genealogists
Review: This is a wonderful reference book for any genealogist to have in their home library. Most researchers working on American families depend on the federal census as a basic tool in constructing their family groups. Knowing where to find the records, what information they can give you, and how to use them to your best advantage are all covered in this wonderful book.

Each federal census had its unique points. Different questions were asked in different years. Native Americans were listed in various ways. Some censuses asked for information on military service. It is also valuable to know why censuses were conducted and how our ancestors viewed them. Did you know that, in 1790, anyone who refused to answer the census questions was fined $20.00? That was hefty sum then. The money collected was divided between the census enumerator and government! This book has lots of facts like that which help us understand how the census and our families interacted.

As is true of all books published by Betterway Books, the volume is full of clear illustrations of documents. There are also many examples and case studies that illustrate facets of the census and also give some humorous examples taken from actual records.

Everyone doing American genealogy will find this book invaluable.