Thanks a lot, Mick. I had no idea there might be that kind of detail available in the originals--can't wait to see them. (For anyone else interested, it's LVA Miscellaneous Microfilm Reel number 1263. Explanation of what is included is at: 1790 Virginia Census VA-NOTES <http://www.lva.virginia.gov/whatwehave/census/va2_1790census.htm> )
I have also wondered if for some who had no "dwelling" but had "other buildings" that might mean where they lived was also used as a store, or a craftsman's shop, or tavern, or some such. (For example, one person I identified was a blacksmith.) Do you recall any mention or indication of shops in the Halifax & Pittsy information?
I appreciate your reply.--Joan
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Michael Nicholls <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Michael Nicholls <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] 1785 Heads of Households census
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 1:41 PM
I once looked at these lists for Pittsylvania and Halifax Counties where there
is some great detail reported on portions of the county lists. If I recall, when
contrasted to the published volume meant to supplement the census of 1790, the
other buildings would likely have included cabins which do show up for many
people in Halifax who have no dwelling house listed. Those without any buildings
were probably renters whose housing was being reported on the land lords list.
The Halifax list gives some details on construction, siding, roofing etc. What
distinguished a Dwelling houses may have been in the eye of the tax man--an
examination of the originals would really help you, I believe--good luck--Mick
Nicholls
On Dec 4, 2008, at 11:11 AM, Joan Horsley wrote:
> In the 1785 Heads of Households Census of Virginia, why are so many
residents in each county (sometimes it appears close to the majority) listed as
having no "dwelling-house?” Most of those with no “dwelling” have one
or more "other building(s)," but some families are listed with
neither. I cannot find a definition of "dwelling-house" in the Act
calling for this census or elsewhere that would explain why so many people had
none.
>
> The 1785 Virginia heads of household enumeration came from “An act to
ascertain the quantity of land, the improvements thereon, and the number of
people, within this commonwealth.” The law required "a list from each
person within [each county precinct] of the number of white persons in each
family therein, and the number of buildings, distinguishing dwelling-houses from
other buildings." (Hening's Statutes at Large, 11:415-417)
>
> The purpose of the 1784 Act was to comply with the Eighth Article of
Confederation and establish the "value of all land within each state,
granted to or surveyed for any person, as such land and the buildings and
improvements thereon shall be estimated." Since this is not a personal tax
law but a valuation of state-wide land, it seems it would not make any
difference for this census whether a particular person owned versus rented
his/her dwelling or outbuilding, as I previously thought might be one
explanation.
>
> Several people at LVA have been most helpful in trying to answer this
question, but so far they are stumped as well. I have not seen the microfilm for
this census, which may provide some clue, and I’ve ordered it through ILL.
>
> In the meantime, I figured someone here might know what I am missing.
Thanks very much for any help.
>
> Joan Horsley
>
>
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