Although only available for 1860,1870, and 1880, these censuses paint a picture of the farming activities on the land, telling of the diverse farms that existed in 19^th Century Iowa. Information in this census includes total acres owned, acres in woodland, acres in pasture, and acres tilled. Production estimates include virtually all crops produced on the farm, from grains such as corn and wheat, to market garden products such as apples, potatoes, and grapes, to animal products such as beef, pork, chicken, eggs, butter, and milk.

The link below presents a snapshot of William Welsh's farm, which included the present day Pilot Grove Preserve, as it was in 1880.