EXPLANATION

In 1852 the State of Iowa conducted a Special State Census in many of Iowa's Counties.

For Mills County only five townships were found in 1852: Plattville (including Lyons), West Liberty (later Glenwood), Rawles (which probably also contained some of Lyons), Council Bluffs (later St. Marys), and Silver Creek. By the 1856 State Census, the townships of Nishnabotna (later Mud Creek then Anderson); Montgomery (later Indian Creek) and White Cloud were listed. What happened to those people in 1852? Were they missed by the census takers?

In my opinion, probably many households were enumerated in a township that differed from their township of residence, just as some Mills residents in what was later Oak and Anderson Twp might have been enumerated in Pottawattamie County and some Fremont residents were included in Mills County.

Be sure to check your search also by first name as some names seem to have the surname as the first name.

Those listed as aliens are not explained but it is assumed they were people born in a foreign country.

Checking the Mills County Land Owners of 1853 could be used in helping to determine the Heads of Household for the 1852 Iowa Special Census. Cay Merryman

Council Bluffs

Plattville

Rawles

Silver Creek

West Liberty