1920 Census of Dinwiddie Co., Virginia

This collection features 1,022 original census images from Enumeration Districts 018–028, 078–085, and 122. We are pleased to access to these images that are part of the USGenWeb Archives.

The images were generously donated by John R. Story and appear here with permission from S-K Publications, the copyright holder. Please note that these images are protected by copyright and may not be republished or redistributed without express permission from S-K Publications.

Higher-quality versions of the images (prior to GIF conversion for web use) are available for purchase on CD from: S-K Publications, PO Box 8173, Wichita, KS 67208-0173

This page includes several tools to assist your research, including a surname index, direct links to individual images, and a browsable table organized by census page.

Surname Index to 1920 Census Records

Begin your research with the surname index to the original 1920 handwritten census records, generously prepared by Joan Ackermann Renfrow (©2001). Each name in the index is followed by one or more page numbers indicating the census image pages where that surname appears.

The numbers in this index correspond to the sheet numbers of the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
Example: Index page 023-08a refers to sheet number 023-08a in the image collection.

Important Notes:

• A surname is listed only once per page, even if it appears multiple times. For example, if there are five "Smith" families on page 028-03b, the index will show Smith – 028-03b only once.
• When the transcriber was uncertain about the handwriting, a question mark (?) was used to indicate uncertainty.
• Many names appear to have been phonetically spelled by the census enumerator. The transcriber preserved the original spelling exactly as written and did not correct apparent misspellings.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to search for all possible spelling variations of surnames.

Access the Index:

• A–K surnames
• L–Z surnames

Once you identify the page numbers you wish to examine, return to this page and either:

• Click the corresponding image link in the table below to view the census page at the USGenWeb Archives Project
• Or browse the entire set page by page using the navigation table provided below

Understanding the 1920 Census

The 1920 U.S. Federal Census provides a rich snapshot of American life just after World War I and is an essential resource for genealogical and historical research. This census includes more detailed information than earlier records and reflects a growing emphasis on tracking immigration and employment.

It records the following information for each individual:

• Full name
• Relationship to the head of household
• Age, sex, and race
• Marital status and year of immigration (if foreign-born)
• Naturalization status
• Place of birth and parents' places of birth
• Language spoken at home (if other than English)
• Occupation, industry, and employment status
• Home ownership status (owned or rented, and whether farm or house)

The 1920 census did not ask about street addresses or military service, and it omitted some questions found in the 1910 census (such as the number of children born to women).

Transcribing with a Blank Census Worksheet

When working with census images—especially handwritten ones—a blank transcription form can help you organize information and ensure accuracy. The 1920 Census Worksheet (PDF) provided by the National Archives mirrors the original enumeration schedule and gives you space to record names, ages, places of birth, occupations, immigration and naturalization details, and other key data exactly as they appear in the census.

Enumeration Districts

The following is a breakdown showing which county subdivisions are enumerated in each Enumeration District:

• Darvills Magisterial District: ED 018–019
• Namozine Magisterial District: ED 020–022
• Central State Hospital, Namozine Magisterial District: ED 023
• Rowanty Magisterial District: ED 024–026
• Sapony Magisterial District: ED 027–028
• City of Petersburg, Ward 1: ED 070–071
• City of Petersburg, Ward 2: ED 072–074
• City of Petersburg, Ward 3: ED 075–077, 122
• City of Petersburg, Ward 4: ED 078–080
• City of Petersburg, Ward 5: ED 081–083
• City of Petersburg, Ward 6: ED 084–085

---

Browse Census Pages by Image

Use the table below to browse individual 1920 census pages. Click on a page number to view the image directly at the USGenWeb Archives.

Disclaimers: Links to offsite content are provided as a convenience to our visitors. The Dinwiddie County VAGenWeb Project is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any external site. Please use your best judgment when exploring outside resources. Some of the email addresses listed on this site were provided in past submissions and may no longer be active. These addresses have not been recently verified, so please be aware that messages may not reach the intended recipient.

Image Quality Notes

The following pages were not copied from the microfilm, as they are blank:

021-14B, 023-18B, 026-08B, 071-35B, 071-36B, 072-13B, 072-14B, 079-04B, 080-13B, 080-14B, and 082-17B.

The following pages are out of focus on the microfilm:

020-04A, 020-14B, 020-19B, 021-13B, 022-13B, 023-04B, 027-19B, 028-08B.

Last updated:

---