In 1820, the first U. S. Census was taken in Perry County, Mississippi. However, this census only listed the name of each head of household only. It would be some 30 years later before each family member would be listed by name in the censuses. This is why the 1850 U. S. Census has become so very important to individuals who are researching their ancestors. Each individual’s record has been carefully transcribed from the original one found on microfilm. Every name in this book is written exactly as the Census taker spelled it on the census. You may notice several different spellings of both first and last names in the census records. These various spellings occurred because the Census taker would often spell the person’s name the way it sounded. Along with each individual’s name is listed their age, sex, birthplace and occupation. Included in this book is also a historical overview of the major events that occurred in Perry County, Mississippi.