1855 Census Returns: Marion County

Using the Collection

If you are looking for a specific individual, browse the list of households, keeping in mind that only the heads of households are listed by name in this census. Remember also that census takers sometimes made errors in spelling out names. “Pearson” could easily become “Peerson,” or “Pierson,” or even “Persons.”

In numerous cases, the census takers appear to have made clerical or mathematical errors in filling out the returns. We have attempted to identify and note these errors wherever possible. Bear in mind, however, that in indexing the collection we have preserved the data as the original documents provide it. Consequently, any errors on the part of the census takers will be reproduced in our transcription.

To view our corrected tabulation of the data, visit the Data Analysis page. This page lists a variety of statistics derived from the information in the census, and provides a link for downloading the raw data in a spreadsheet format. It bears mentioning that these tabulations are based on our own interpretation of the data, and they differ somewhat from the figures reached by the Secretary of State in 1855.