This census entry present a wealth of information on Samuel Miller & Catherine Glick’s family at the time. It shows that his occupation was that of a farmer – in agricultural terms this likely indicates that he owned his farm outright and worked as the head of the farm. It shows that his estate – combined personal and real-estate – were valued at $6500 at the time. It also shows that Samuel had in his employ two farm laborers. The way they are listed here as laborers and being included on the census count as individuals is significant as it indicates that they were paid laborers and not enslaved persons.
The accuracy of these census documents can reasonably be questioned, however, a number of items here speak to the relative accuracy of this document including the general stated location – which matches what we would expect for Samuel Miller & Catherine Glick. Additionally, The names of the family members match names known from other sources. Further, the fact that there were paid farm laborers, as opposed to enslaved persons, is indicative of Samuel being a member of the Brethren faith – a group known to have been abolitionist in nature.
Full Citation: U.S. Census, 1850: Heads of Families. Washington: Government Printing Office, State of Virginia, Rockingham County, District 1, P. 165 (Alt. P. 329), Miller, Samuel; Glick, Catherine. Accessed 2018.