Census records are wonderful finding tools and provide research building blocks, allowing one to confirm information and learn much more. They also help the family historian find the place where an ancestor lived.
Federal Population Census Schedules are one of the most frequently used data sources for genealogists researching their U.S. ancestors. In fact, genealogists represent the largest number of federal census researchers in America. It is interesting to note that the census has also become a key research tool for sociologists, demographers, historians, and political scientists.
The first federal census was begun Aug. 2, 1790. Subsequent counts have been done at 10-year intervals as mandated in the federal Constitution to determine representation in the House of Representatives.
The Census Bureau . . .
… celebrated 100 years of service in 2002. Congress established a permanent “Census Office” March 6, 1902 in the Interior Department. Its mission: to carry out a continuing program of censuses and other data collection activities. Four months later, about 900 workers, who were wrapping up the 1900 Census in a nondescript building near the U.S. Capitol, became permanent federal employees.
Trivia: The U.S. Population was 80 million in 1900 and 281 million on census day, April 1, 2000.
In 1903 the Bureau was transferred to the new Department of Commerce and Labor. In 1913, when the Labor Department split off from Commerce, the Bureau continued with the Commerce Department, where it remains today.
Under Federal law, decennial census subjects must be submitted to Congress three years before Census Day. For the 2010 count, that date is April 1. In 2007 the Bureau submitted the subjects it plans to address which include gender, age, race, ethnicity (Hispanic), relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. Estimated to take less than 10 minutes to complete, the 2010 Census is one of the shortest since the nation’s first in 1790.
Note: Gender and race questions have been asked since 1790; Age since 1800; Relationship since 1880; Tenure (own or rent) since 1890; and Ethnicity (Hispanic) Origin since 1970.
Further details about the Census Bureau and the upcoming 2010 Census can be found on the Bureau’s home page at census.gov.
Microfilming . . .
… of the original census manuscript schedules was initiated around 1940, years after most were originated. In some cases, poor film quality is due to faded ink and brittle pages. After filming, the original pages were destroyed due to lack of storage space.
Researchers have access to the 1790 through 1930 schedules on microfilm and in various digitized formats such as CDs, on-line databases, etc.
The 1940 and later censuses . . .
… are not available for public use because of a statutory 72-year restriction for privacy reasons. The starting census day was April 1, 1940, thus the 1940 census will be available via microfilm April 2, 2012 at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., and at the regional facilities in 13 major cities. \Note: If you were born on or after April 1, 1930 and before April 1, 1940 this will be your first appearance on a Federal Census. For others this may be the first appearance of a parent, sibling or other relative on the Federal Census who is living today or someone a researcher actually knew.
The NARA
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the repository for all federal records including the Federal Population Schedules. Genealogists are the most numerous users of NARA materials. And in order to assist researchers, the agency’s website contains many helpful links. Go to www.nara.gov to explore. Of special interest is the “Genealogists/Family Historians” link. One of the resources on that page is a direct link to “Census Records.”
Census Clues, Tips and Helps
Many of the columns can provide clues to other records. For example, some censuses asked if individuals owned or rented their homes or farms. If that person owned property, there should be a land deed or perhaps a land grant for military service.
Census schedules help solve many genealogical research problems but they can also present new problems if not properly used and interpreted.
Overlooked or misread data can be disastrous; for this reason census records data should be transcribed/extracted to census transcription forms. An extract is essential for proper analysis.
Transcription forms make copying census information easier, more thorough and provide all applicable columns for each census year so complete documentation is assured.
Always retain a photocopy of the original census record. It will save time and serves as good insurance against transcription errors.
Note: Whenever data is copied, from one place to another, there is a 25-percent chance of making a transcript error.
GenealogyGenius.com offers free downloadable U.S. Census template forms in Word format. These forms can be found by clicking on the “Download U.S. Census Forms” link. Transcribed census records are much easier to read and review when entered on the computer than those written in longhand.
Click here to read Part 2 of Census Records, a Genealogical Gold Mine.
Dear Readers,
Due to family matters I am taking some time off. “Relatively Speaking” will return in autumn 2009. In the meanwhile have a great summer and happy ancestor hunting! — CM
Carllene Marek has been chasing ancestors for more than 25 years and chasing her muse for many more. A second-generation Californian, she has helped with several computer user groups, family associations and genealogical and historical societies. She has also compiled numerous indexes for assorted publications and written book reviews for various historical and genealogical publications. Carllene currently writes a monthly newspaper column, “AncestreeSeekers,” for the Chico Enterprise Record and the Oroville Mercury Register. She and her husband live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California with a blended family of eight children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
