Category Archives: Census Research

Federal Census Research: 1850

Posted on May 15, 2012 by

Until 1850, Federal census enumerations only listed heads of households, with other household members identified only statistically, by age and sex. So researchers rejoice to find their families in the 1850 census, the first to identify every individual in each … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Federal Census Research: 1860

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

On the brink of Civil War, the 1860 census was the last decennial census to include a slave schedule. The Government Printing Office improved uniformity for the first time by printing all the forms used across the country. The “as … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research | Tagged , | Comments Off

Federal Census Research: 1870

Posted on April 13, 2012 by

The 1870 federal census was the first following the Civil War, and the first to reflect emancipation. This was also the first time Native Americans were counted with the regular population, unless they lived on reservations. The “as of” date … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research | Tagged | 1 Comment

Federal Census Research: 1880

Posted on April 3, 2012 by

Census enumerations took a huge step forward in 1880. No less than five schedules were compiled. Not only was the population counted, but special schedules for Agriculture, Manufactures, Social Statistics, and Mortality were completed. There were five schedules, seven supplemental … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research | Tagged , | Comments Off

Federal Census Research: 1900

Posted on March 27, 2012 by

1900 is a “goodie” year for census research, because several very useful questions were asked for the first time. When combined with the 1910 schedule, you get a good picture of your ancestor’s family: Every individual was asked to state … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research, Just for Beginners, Methodology | Tagged , | Comments Off

Federal Census Research: 1940– Are You Ready?

Posted on March 22, 2012 by

If you visit the National Archives 1940 census website, http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/,  you will see a countdown clock for the 2 April release of the 1940 Federal Census. Are you excited? Who isn’t? But are you ready???? That’s another matter entirely. Researchers … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research | Tagged | Comments Off

Federal Census Research: 1910

Posted on March 21, 2012 by

This is the census that may give you problems—the microfilming process produced many faint to illegible images. Unfortunately, the original schedules were destroyed after filming, so we are left to deal with what’s available. New digital techniques have improved many … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research, Just for Beginners, Methodology | Tagged , | Comments Off

Federal Census Research: 1920

Posted on March 14, 2012 by

Until 1920, the decennial federal census was usually conducted in the spring or early summer. The “as of” date for 1920, however, was shifted to 1 January 1920, in hopes of better accommodating agricultural activities. Be sure to check the … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research, Just for Beginners, Methodology | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Federal Census Research: 1930

Posted on February 20, 2012 by

Until the release of the 1940 federal census this coming April, the 1930 schedule is the latest census available to researchers. Make the most of your research by understanding the questions and context of this population schedule. Click here to … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research, Just for Beginners, Methodology | Tagged , | Comments Off

Federal Census Records: Understand the Details

Posted on February 17, 2012 by

To make the most of your census research, you’ll want to develop a strategy based on a solid understanding of each census year. Here are some details you may not have considered, but that can impact the effectiveness of your … Continue reading →

Posted in Census Research, Just for Beginners, Methodology | Tagged | 1 Comment