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State censuses rank with federal censuses as a major genealogical resource, but, because they were taken randomly, remain a much under-utilized resource in American genealogy. State censuses not only stand as substitutes for some of the missing 1790, 1800, 1810, and 1890 censuses (as well as many county and statewide enumerations lost or destroyed between 1790 and 1890) but also as valuable population enumerations in their own right. Many state censuses, for example, asked different questions than the federal census, so they record information that cannot be found elsewhere in federal schedules.

Ann Lainhart's inventory of state census records is the first comprehensive list of state census records ever published. State by state, year by year, often county by county and district by district, she shows the researcher what is available in state census records, when it is available, and what one might expect to find in the way of data. In this way Ms. Lainhart has removed one of the last uncharted territories in American genealogy, opening up a range of fresh opportunities for the researcher.

See also
Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920.


EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"...well-organized, clearly presented inventory of the state census records available..Purchase this book, place it on your library shelf, and every time you begin research in a new state, check it."--FEDERATION OF GENEALOGICAL SOCIETIES FORUM, Vol. 5, No. 1 (Spring 1993), pp. 21-24.

"This guide is a welcome contribution..."--THE NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, Vol. 124, No. 1 (January 1993).

"It is refreshing to see GPC publishing quality genealogical reference volumes; this work will stand as one of the most valuable published...Highly recommended."--THE AMERICAN GENEALOGIST, Vol. 68, No. 1 (January 1993).

"This volume offers pragmatic information about accessing valuable data and should be part of every collection that supports research in American genealogy and history."--REFERENCE BOOKS BULLETIN (October 15, 1992).

"...this volume is most welcome."--THE VIRGINIA GENEALOGIST, Vol. 36, No. 3 (July-September 1992).