[lfrancis]

I felt the same way in regards to the genealogy aspect. I can't remember the exact census years, but I do remember the census including value of real estate owned and other assets along with occupation, one of these was before 1870 because the number of slaves was listed. Race was also listed.

[fewz]

I believe the 1850 census asked how many acres you farmed if your occupation was farmer. I don’t remember them asking about other property.

I wished that they asked what state or country you were born in this year. They asked that in 1850 and that along with the age of my ancestors was very helpful.

The 1830 and 40 style of census makes it really hard to trace folks. Not enough information.

[metalurgist]

I felt the same way in regards to the genealogy aspect

Screw the genealogists. Your ancestors are dead and aren't going to do you any good. In fact they may do you harm. You never know when the government may want to know if you have any Japanese ancestry (World war II), or if you have any Jewish blood (Nazis/leftist democrats).

[ssaftler]

I felt the same way in regards to the genealogy aspect.

Which is why I put year and month of birth, similar to the 1900 census. What was good enough then is good enough now.