This project originated when the authors decided to undertake a joint exploration of the growth experience of America in the ante-bellum period. Initially we had planned to borrow whatever demographic insights were needed from available literature. The unsatisfactory state of that literature is what prompted this study.

Many have helped us along the way. Much of the computer work was undertaken by Pamela Memishian. Her patience and innovative suggestions proved to be invaluable. For helpful comments, we are indebted to Nancy Jackson and Robert Klitgaard. We are most especially grateful to Michael Brown-Beasley. For culling sources and tracking down obscure and often incomplete citations few could rival Michael in skill and determination. Michael Haines was kind enough to read the entire manuscript with exceptional care, and offered a wide range of helpful comments and criticisms.

Although the typing of various sections was done by a number of secretaries, the assembling of the final version was ably accomplished by Patricia Paucke.