Using Census Records for Genealogy Research

Denise Beeson

How fortunate we are to have the U.S. Federal Census to use as a research tool to find and learn about our ancestors! From 1790 to 1950 we have a record of their lives. But first, consider that the name you use today may not be the “right” name in the census records. The census taker was paid for the number of entries in a day, not for accuracy! You will find many mistakes. In addition, we do not know who provided the information to the census takers. Not until 1940 is the person identified with a circle and an “X.” So, a neighbor in the adjacent farm or upstairs in a large tenement building may have provided the wrong information. Remember, 1950 was released in April 2023!

Some interesting facts for you to consider:

* 1790 Recorded Heads of Household by “tick” mark- no names / handwritten!

* 1850 recorded names, ages in household but NO relationships.

* 1880 Relationships, location, employment recorded.

Some Vital statistics you may discover:

* Date of birth. 1850-1940 gives age at the time of census; 1870 and 1880 gives month of birth if born within the last year; 1900 gives month and year.

* Place of birth. 1850-1940; 1880-1930 gives place of birth for parents.

* Date of marriage. 1850-1880 person married last year; 1900-1910 number of years of current marriage for each person; 1920 age of marriage for each person.

* Number of children. 1900-1910 number born to each woman and number living.

* Occupation. 1850-1880

* Residence. 1790-1880 in census tract which may identify a city/town; 1900-1940 street address, 1940 provides residence in 1935.

* Military service.1840 prior military service; see 1890 for prior service, 1900-1920 enumerations of people in service,1910 service in the Union or Confederate armies, 1930 prior service and which war.

* Immigration. 1870—parents of foreign birth. Citizen or naturalized?, 1880-1930—birth country and parents’ birth countries, 1900-1930—year of immigration, 1920—year of naturalization.