Alabama State Census, 1866 - FamilySearch Historical Records

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Alabama State Census, 1866
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This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
Alabama, 
United States
Alabama flag.png
Flag of Alabama
US Locator Alabama.png
Location of Alabama
Record Description
Record Type State Census
Collection years 1866
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
Alabama Department of Archives and History


What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]

This collection covers individuals living in Alabama in 1866. The state census for 1866 was taken using four schedules; schedule no. 1 "white population" and schedule no. 2 "colored" population," designated at the top of each page. Schedule No. 3 counted the "white population" by township and range and schedule no 4 counted the "white population and educational facilities by township and range..." The state census generally names the head of household. The coverage table, arranged by county, will identify the schedule by GS film number, Digital Folder Number and Image Number.

The State of Alabama conducted state censuses in the following years: 1818 (partial), 1820 (partial), 1821 (partial), 1823, 1850, 1855, 1866, and 1907.

The information is generally reliable. However, use the information with some caution, since the information may have been given to a census taker by any member of the family or by a neighbor. Some information may have been incorrect or deliberately falsified. The census was compiled to obtain a count of the population of the state to determine how many representatives the state would send to Congress.

Image Visibility[edit | edit source]

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images. For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]

The following information may be found in these records:

Census

  • Schedule No.
  • The names of the head of household
  • Number of persons in each family
  • Relationship to head of household


  • Age
  • Sex
  • May list number of deceased or disabled soldiers in the family
  • May list former slaves

Collection Content[edit | edit source]

Coverage Table[edit | edit source]

Coverage tables for this collection are available in the wiki article Alabama State Census, 1866 Coverage Table - FamilySearch Historical Records

How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The name of the individual
  • The date of the event or the name of a parent or spouse

Search the Index[edit | edit source]

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
  2. Click Search to show possible matches


Tip
 More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at Alabama State Census, 1866. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?[edit | edit source]

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.

What Do I Do Next?[edit | edit source]

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Use the age listed to determine an approximate birth date. This date along with the place of birth can help you find a birth record
  • Use the race information to find records related to that ethnicity such as records of the Freedman’s Bureau or Indian censuses
  • Birthplaces can tell you former residences and can help to establish a migration pattern for the family
  • If they are subject to military service they may have military files in the State or National Archives

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Try viewing the original record to see if there were errors in the transcription of the name, age, residence, etc. Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name
  • 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
  • Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps[edit | edit source]

The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Alabama.

FamilySearch Catalog[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Historical Records[edit | edit source]

Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]

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.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Citing this Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
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