Index To The 1850 Census Of California. Compiled by Alan P. Bowman. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1972. 605 pages. $25.00.
As a research tool, the 1850 Census, the first Federal Census for the State, is an invaluable source of information. Since the individuals are listed alphabetically by surname, under each County, it is now possible for a searcher to quickly determine if the individual he is looking for lived in that County at that time. Although census records are available (we have a copy of the original 1850 Census for San Diego County), it was a tedious task to go through each listing, as they are not in alphabetical order. Since the Census also gives the sex, race, age and birthplace of each individual, it is often used in making certain analysis based on these listings. This is a period of our local history not covered by San Diego Directories or newspapers, making it an even more valuable source for researchers.
SYLVIA ARDEN
SERRA MUSEUM RESEARCH LIBRARY
