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Gen 101 Census

Census Records are one of the first things beginning genealogists learn about. There are few points to be made here:

•          U.S. Federal Census records start in 1790. They list the head of household and age statistics on household members.

•          U.S. Federal Census records become more detailed in 1850. Starting in 1850, the census records list each person, their age and state of birth.

•          The amount of detail provided varies with each census.

•          There are a number of State census records available for some states.

•          Just because the Census looks like a family unit does not mean it is a family unit. The Census records who is in a household on the enumeration date. The Census records may include parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sons in law, daughters in law and unrelated individuals, etc.. Some Census records do list the relationship to the Head of Household.

•          Some family members may be missing for a variety of reasons. They may be in the household of another family member. They may be apprenticed out or an indented servant and living in the household of their master.

Reviewing Census Records Prior to 1850 can be tricky. Using the following table can help you decide if the records are consistent or have inconsistencies. In some cases, tt can also help determine if a man has remarried a younger wife.

•          To use this chart, simple insert (1) the Name where indicated in the top row; (2) the number of family members in each of the age brackets; and (3) County and Page of the Census record on the right side.

•          Excess rows can be deleted.

•          The 1850 row can be used for notes.

•          The 1850 row can be copied and appended on the end for 1860, 1870 and 1880.

Downloadable Multi-Year Census Chart Form [HTML] [PDF] [WordPerfect] [MS Word]

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