If one is having a challenging time finding individuals on actual census schedules (federal, state, or local), remembering the other record groups which also tend systematically list individuals for particular geographic areas during specific time periods could prove quite useful. Some of those record groups are listed in the following (from The Source by Ancestry, Inc.):

Tax Rolls 
Poll tax 
Personal property 
Real estate 
Assessors' lists 

Land Records 
Entries plats 
Plat maps 
Lotteries 
Processioning lists 
Perambulations 
Ground rents 
Quitrents 
Debt books 
Permits to settle 
Land grant lists 
Suspended land grants 
Headright claims 
Lists of indentured servants 
Immigrant land allowances 
Inquisitions Devises' lists 
Heir lists 

Court Records 
Oaths of allegiance 
Lists of attorneys 
Lists of constables 
Lists of jurors 
Jury pay lists 
Jury attendance lists 
Commissions of officials 
Appointments of Justices of the peace 
Lists of gamekeepers 

Voters' Records 
Voters' register 
Voters' lists 
Poll books 
Register of intended voters 
Register of freemen 
Lists of freeholders 
Lists of rejected voters 
Oaths of office 
Loyalty oaths 
Freemen admissions 

Militia Records 
Militia lists 
Muster rolls 
Muster-in rolls 
Muster-out rolls 
Payrolls 
Lists of males over age 16 
Troop returns 
Enlistments 
Enrollments 
Lists of recruits 
Substitutes 
Lists of rejected men 
Wagoners' rolls 
Casualty lists 

Church Records 
Pew rents 
Membership lists 
Rate rolls 
Collection lists 
Subscription lists 
Lists of paupers 

School Lists 
Matriculation lists 
Attendance lists 
Examination lists 
Tuition lists 
Subscription Lists 
Pupil lists 
Teacher lists 

Legislative Records 
Petitions 
Memorials 

Miscellaneous Records 
Register of prisoners 
Register of slaves 
Register of free Negroes 
Prisoners of war 
Manumission lists 
Register of unmarried persons 
Orphans' register 
Lists of physicians 
Lists of midwives 
Lists of strangers

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