United States Census Question

[nickedemus]

Hello!

Are there any resources out there that can help me learn some background and history about the US census, and the different formats and conventions they use across time and in different places?

I've found that the US Census records are a great help in identifying/confirming that I am looking at the correct people. But there are varying formats, and sometimes the way that the information that is presented can be misleading.

For example, I rejected a census record for my grandfather because the census taker put his (my grandfather's) initials between his first and last name. So, I mistakenly thought the person I was looking at had two middle initials, and that he was not my grandfather.

After additional examination and cross referencing, I was able to confirm that the census record was indeed for my grandfather. I still to this day have no idea why the census takers do that with initials, but I've seen it other records, as well.

Any help shedding light on this mystery and others would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!