| Abstract: | A variety of sources provides different levels of information about the origins of nineteenth century migrants to the Midwest. The advantages and disadvantages of four of the most common records, the federal census, land office records, genealogical collections, and county histories/biographies/atlases, are examined. Characteristics considered are the specific types of data provided, extent of coverage, level of detail, statistical reliability, and accessibility. Examples of studies using each record type are cited. |
