Early census records often were compiled by people for whom accuracy and correct spelling were not high priorities. If no one was home, the census worker either omitted the family or got the information from a neighbor. Visiting grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends were sometimes included as household members because they were there when the census taker stopped.
Taken every 10 years since 1790 primarily to apportion representation in the House of Representatives, federal census records are one of the most valuable sources of genealogical information. They can reveal the relationships among those living in a household and whether someone was born in another country. They confirm where a person lived at a specific time. Knowing this tells you where to look for other documents, such as deeds, marriage license applications, wills and probate documents.
Census records become public after 72 years. The 1930 census is the most recent to be made available. Accessing records is usually as easy as visiting a public or university library, or the Mormon Family History Center. The Heritage Quest Web site (www.heritagequest.com) is also a resource.
The Mormon Family History Center site (www.familysearch.org) has the 1880 census online. No charge. Still can't find the census rolls you need? Borrow them from the National Archives and Records Administration (www.archives.gov) for a nominal fee through the interlibrary loan program. Allow about three weeks for the microfilm to arrive.
Census records are organized geographically. You need to know the state and county where your ancestors lived when the census was taken. Pinpoint the township or city and save hours of research.
County and township boundaries changed often before 1900. If it seems like your ancestors vanished, check records for neighboring areas; indexes exist for some states.
Before 1850, census data was minimal. Except for the head of household, only the surname, gender and age range were recorded for each family member. For example, the listing for the William Hart family might look like this: one male, age 20-30; one female, age 20-30; two males under age 5; one female age 5-10. Occupations and whether a person was born in another country were sometimes included.
Starting with the 1850 census, each person's given name, age and race were listed. The same Hart family might appear on the 1850 census as: John Smith, 30, farmer; Mary, 28, housewife; Bobby, 4; Jimmy, 3; and Elizabeth, 9. These records are invaluable for ascertaining the members of each nuclear family, although a child could be born after one census and die before the next.
Also, be aware in what year a state became a state so you don't waste time looking for records that don't exist.
Some census returns offer bonus information:
In 1880, the relationship of each person to the head of household and the birthplace of each individual's parents were noted.
The 1890 census was destroyed by fire in 1921, but a list of Union Civil War veterans and widows of Union veterans remains intact at the National Archives and Records Administration.
The 1900, 1910 and 1920 census records reflect each person's citizenship status (AL, alien; PA, first papers; NA, naturalized).
The 1910 census notes Civil War veterans using the designations UA (Union Army), UN (Union Navy), CA (Confederate Army), CN (Confederate Navy).
The 1930 census was the first to ask about technology. The government wanted to know if a household owned a radio.
NEXT: Using census records to navigate the gene pool.
Read past Donna Murray Allen columns online at www.sptimes.com Type "Donna Murray Allen" in the search box. You can write to Allen c/o Floridian, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or e-mail her at rootscolumn@yahoo.com Her Web site: www.rootsdetective.com includes information on classes and lectures. Allen welcomes your questions about genealogy and will respond to those of general interest in future columns.
