Book excerpt: Previous census statistics, (1790, 1800), for most of Virginia were lost hence, this 1810 census is the first real glimpse we have. It is useful in identifying the locality to be searched for other types of records for a named individual or family However, the accuracy of the data is not known as the information may not have been factual when gotten from a family member or servant. It is also not complete as some homes were missed, families not present and many people were suspicious of federal authority and the census as a possible tax ruse, refused outright to participate. Also transcriptions when copies were made could have contained errors.