Finding and Reading U.S. Census Records - Revision history

Wesexon at 16:28, 14 April 2013

Wesexon — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:28:16 GMT

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	==Microfilm Copies==		==Microfilm Copies==

-	The National Archives has reproduced all of the available federal population census schedules on microfilm. Copies of available 1790 to 1930 censuses for all states and territories can be used in the Microfilm Research Room in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., regional branches of the National Archives, at the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City and in its Family History Centers, and at many other private and public libraries. The added options of borrowing census schedules from microfilm-lending companies or purchasing microfilm copies from the National Archives make the census one of the most readily available record sources.	+	The National Archives has reproduced all of the available federal population census schedules on microfilm. Copies of available 1790 to [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6224 1930 censuses] for all states and territories can be used in the Microfilm Research Room in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., regional branches of the National Archives, at the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City and in its Family History Centers, and at many other private and public libraries. The added options of borrowing census schedules from microfilm-lending companies or purchasing microfilm copies from the National Archives make the census one of the most readily available record sources.

	==Limitations of Microfilm Copies==		==Limitations of Microfilm Copies==
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	As noted earlier, microfilming of the census schedules, indexes, and other heavily used records in the National Archives took place in the 1940s, when the technology was in its infancy. The microfilms of most of the censuses for most years are quite legible. However, there are thousands of census pages from various states and years that cannot be read because of poor focusing or because of too much or too little lighting. Pages of original census schedules were also inadvertently skipped when microfilming took place—some pages may have stuck together when turned, and some may have been missing when the microfilming began. For example, nine pages were missed during the microfilming of the 1820 Virginia schedule. They were subsequently identified and indexed by Gerald M. Petty in “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy.”<ref>Gerald M. Petty, “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy,” ''Virginia Genealogist'' 18 (1974): 136–39.</ref> In another case, more than 1,000 Illinoisans with names beginning with the letter O were somehow missed when the rest of the 1880 Soundex index was microfilmed. The missing section for the letter O was later transcribed from the original cards by Nancy Gubb Frederick in ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240''.<ref>Nancy Gubb Frederick, ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240'' (Evanston, Ill.: the compiler, 1981).</ref>		As noted earlier, microfilming of the census schedules, indexes, and other heavily used records in the National Archives took place in the 1940s, when the technology was in its infancy. The microfilms of most of the censuses for most years are quite legible. However, there are thousands of census pages from various states and years that cannot be read because of poor focusing or because of too much or too little lighting. Pages of original census schedules were also inadvertently skipped when microfilming took place—some pages may have stuck together when turned, and some may have been missing when the microfilming began. For example, nine pages were missed during the microfilming of the 1820 Virginia schedule. They were subsequently identified and indexed by Gerald M. Petty in “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy.”<ref>Gerald M. Petty, “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy,” ''Virginia Genealogist'' 18 (1974): 136–39.</ref> In another case, more than 1,000 Illinoisans with names beginning with the letter O were somehow missed when the rest of the 1880 Soundex index was microfilmed. The missing section for the letter O was later transcribed from the original cards by Nancy Gubb Frederick in ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240''.<ref>Nancy Gubb Frederick, ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240'' (Evanston, Ill.: the compiler, 1981).</ref>

-	Unfortunately, since the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census originals were destroyed, it will be impossible to remicrofilm any illegible pages or pages missed in the original microfilming of schedules for those census years. As mentioned previously, however, advances in scanning technology have provided a way to improve the legibility of some of the damaged pages.	+	Unfortunately, since the 1900, 1910, and [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6061 1920 census] originals were destroyed, it will be impossible to remicrofilm any illegible pages or pages missed in the original microfilming of schedules for those census years. As mentioned previously, however, advances in scanning technology have provided a way to improve the legibility of some of the damaged pages.

	=Restrictions on Access to Post-1930 Census Records=		=Restrictions on Access to Post-1930 Census Records=

Jutley at 20:58, 4 June 2010

Jutley — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:58:11 GMT

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	[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]		[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]
		+	[[Category: U.S. Census and Voter Lists]]
	{{Template:Census series (The Source)}}		{{Template:Census series (The Source)}}
	'''This article originally appeared in "Census Records" by [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]] and [[Matthew Wright]] in ''[[The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]'''''		'''This article originally appeared in "Census Records" by [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]] and [[Matthew Wright]] in ''[[The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]'''''

Matrayback at 19:55, 26 May 2010

Matrayback — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:55:18 GMT

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	=References=		=References=

-	~~Coming soon...~~	+	<references/>

	=External Links==		=External Links==

Matrayback at 19:54, 26 May 2010

Matrayback — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:54:48 GMT

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	=False Census Entries=		=False Census Entries=

-	Another confusing situation in census research can arise when names show up in a district where they do not belong—sometimes more than once. According to [[Arlene Eakle]], Ph.D., “padding the totes,” or adjusting the census for political reasons, was not uncommon. “Frontier areas, anxious for statehood, often added bogus names. In 1857, seven counties in Minnesota had wild population totals, complete with fake names on the schedules. Jurisdictions facing increased taxes might also understate their populations to keep overall per capita taxes lower. The 1880 Utah census juggled households to disguise polygamy at a time when federal officials were seeking evidence for the prosecution of those convicted of unlawful cohabitation.”8	+	Another confusing situation in census research can arise when names show up in a district where they do not belong—sometimes more than once. According to [[Arlene Eakle]], Ph.D., “padding the totes,” or adjusting the census for political reasons, was not uncommon. “Frontier areas, anxious for statehood, often added bogus names. In 1857, seven counties in Minnesota had wild population totals, complete with fake names on the schedules. Jurisdictions facing increased taxes might also understate their populations to keep overall per capita taxes lower. The 1880 Utah census juggled households to disguise polygamy at a time when federal officials were seeking evidence for the prosecution of those convicted of unlawful cohabitation.”<ref>Arlene H. Eakle, “Census Records,” in ''The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy'' (Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1984).</ref>

	=Missing Persons=		=Missing Persons=
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	Poor penmanship, archaic handwriting styles, and symbols are other leading causes of researchers’ inability to find or read specific names or information in census records. Many letters can be misinterpreted unless a study is made of the enumerator’s handwriting style. For example, uppercase letters L and S are frequently difficult to distinguish. In one district of the 1850 census, the word “lawyer” looks more like “sawyer.” Likewise, a birthplace of Missouri might look more like “Mifouri” or “Mipouri” to someone unfamiliar with the long “s” character that took the place of a double “s” in some manuscripts.		Poor penmanship, archaic handwriting styles, and symbols are other leading causes of researchers’ inability to find or read specific names or information in census records. Many letters can be misinterpreted unless a study is made of the enumerator’s handwriting style. For example, uppercase letters L and S are frequently difficult to distinguish. In one district of the 1850 census, the word “lawyer” looks more like “sawyer.” Likewise, a birthplace of Missouri might look more like “Mifouri” or “Mipouri” to someone unfamiliar with the long “s” character that took the place of a double “s” in some manuscripts.

-	Despite the many imperfections of the census, it should again be emphasized that census records are one of the first sources used in almost every genealogical project. They are invaluable for placing an individual in a particular time and place and for connecting the individual to other sources. The foregoing descriptions make it fairly easy to see why census records are not perfect or entirely reliable. But, as noted author Val Greenwood suggests, “no research on an American genealogical problem after the beginning of census is complete until all pertinent census schedules have been searched.”9	+	Despite the many imperfections of the census, it should again be emphasized that census records are one of the first sources used in almost every genealogical project. They are invaluable for placing an individual in a particular time and place and for connecting the individual to other sources. The foregoing descriptions make it fairly easy to see why census records are not perfect or entirely reliable. But, as noted author Val Greenwood suggests, “no research on an American genealogical problem after the beginning of census is complete until all pertinent census schedules have been searched.”<ref>Val D. Greenwood, ''The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy'', 2nd ed. (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1990).</ref>

	=Interpreting Census Information=		=Interpreting Census Information=
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	==Limitations of Microfilm Copies==		==Limitations of Microfilm Copies==

-	As noted earlier, microfilming of the census schedules, indexes, and other heavily used records in the National Archives took place in the 1940s, when the technology was in its infancy. The microfilms of most of the censuses for most years are quite legible. However, there are thousands of census pages from various states and years that cannot be read because of poor focusing or because of too much or too little lighting. Pages of original census schedules were also inadvertently skipped when microfilming took place—some pages may have stuck together when turned, and some may have been missing when the microfilming began. For example, nine pages were missed during the microfilming of the 1820 Virginia schedule. They were subsequently identified and indexed by Gerald M. Petty in “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy.~~”10~~ In another case, more than 1,000 Illinoisans with names beginning with the letter O were somehow missed when the rest of the 1880 Soundex index was microfilmed. The missing section for the letter O was later transcribed from the original cards by Nancy Gubb Frederick in ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240''.11	+	As noted earlier, microfilming of the census schedules, indexes, and other heavily used records in the National Archives took place in the 1940s, when the technology was in its infancy. The microfilms of most of the censuses for most years are quite legible. However, there are thousands of census pages from various states and years that cannot be read because of poor focusing or because of too much or too little lighting. Pages of original census schedules were also inadvertently skipped when microfilming took place—some pages may have stuck together when turned, and some may have been missing when the microfilming began. For example, nine pages were missed during the microfilming of the 1820 Virginia schedule. They were subsequently identified and indexed by Gerald M. Petty in “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy.”<ref>Gerald M. Petty, “Virginia 1820 Federal Census: Names Not on the Microfilm Copy,” ''Virginia Genealogist'' 18 (1974): 136–39.</ref> In another case, more than 1,000 Illinoisans with names beginning with the letter O were somehow missed when the rest of the 1880 Soundex index was microfilmed. The missing section for the letter O was later transcribed from the original cards by Nancy Gubb Frederick in ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240''.<ref>Nancy Gubb Frederick, ''1880 Illinois Census Index, Soundex Codes O-200 to O-240'' (Evanston, Ill.: the compiler, 1981).</ref>

	Unfortunately, since the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census originals were destroyed, it will be impossible to remicrofilm any illegible pages or pages missed in the original microfilming of schedules for those census years. As mentioned previously, however, advances in scanning technology have provided a way to improve the legibility of some of the damaged pages.		Unfortunately, since the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census originals were destroyed, it will be impossible to remicrofilm any illegible pages or pages missed in the original microfilming of schedules for those census years. As mentioned previously, however, advances in scanning technology have provided a way to improve the legibility of some of the damaged pages.

Matrayback at 21:08, 28 April 2010

Matrayback — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:08:55 GMT

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Matrayback at 20:00, 28 April 2010

Matrayback — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:00:39 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 28 April 2010
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	=Interpreting Census Information=		=Interpreting Census Information=

-	[[File:1930-coverage.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|A U.S. Census Geographer works on coverage maps for the 1930 census. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office.)]]	+	[[File:1930-coverage lores.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|A U.S. Census Geographer works on coverage maps for the 1930 census. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office.)]]

	Professional researchers recommend making photocopies or computer printouts of census pages whenever possible. The advantages of an actual copy over a transcription are several: it eliminates the danger of transcription mistakes; a copy will include neighbors and provide an overview of the population makeup of the area (except in cases where names are listed in alphabetical order instead of in order of visitation); and a copy makes it easy to go back and reevaluate information as new discoveries are made in the research process.		Professional researchers recommend making photocopies or computer printouts of census pages whenever possible. The advantages of an actual copy over a transcription are several: it eliminates the danger of transcription mistakes; a copy will include neighbors and provide an overview of the population makeup of the area (except in cases where names are listed in alphabetical order instead of in order of visitation); and a copy makes it easy to go back and reevaluate information as new discoveries are made in the research process.

Matrayback at 21:48, 23 March 2010

Matrayback — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:48:03 GMT

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	[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]		[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]
	{{Template:Census series (The Source)}}		{{Template:Census series (The Source)}}
-		+	'''This article originally appeared in "Census Records" by [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]] and [[Matthew Wright]] in ''[[The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]'''''
-	'''This article originally appeared in "Census Records" by [[Loretto Dennis Szucs]] and [[Matthew Wright]] in ''The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy'''''	+

	In order to effectively use census records, one needs to first be able to find the record you need and then to extract the information you need from it. This article describes a variety of issues to consider when looking for census records as well as some potential problems one might encounter in reading a census document.		In order to effectively use census records, one needs to first be able to find the record you need and then to extract the information you need from it. This article describes a variety of issues to consider when looking for census records as well as some potential problems one might encounter in reading a census document.

Matrayback at 21:34, 19 March 2010

Matrayback — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:34:53 GMT

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Matrayback at 18:44, 16 March 2010

Matrayback — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:44:01 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:44, 16 March 2010
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	[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]		[[Category:The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy]]
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	{{Template:Census series (The Source)}}		{{Template:Census series (The Source)}}
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	In order to effectively use census records, one needs to first be able to find the record you need and then to extract the information you need from it. This article describes a variety of issues to consider when looking for census records as well as some potential problems one might encounter in reading a census document.		In order to effectively use census records, one needs to first be able to find the record you need and then to extract the information you need from it. This article describes a variety of issues to consider when looking for census records as well as some potential problems one might encounter in reading a census document.

Matrayback at 00:06, 16 March 2010

Matrayback — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:06:14 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:06, 16 March 2010
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	Increasingly, census records can be accessed using electronic media. Below are some tips for searching electronic census indexes.		Increasingly, census records can be accessed using electronic media. Below are some tips for searching electronic census indexes.

-	#'''ADVANCED SEARCH TOOLS'''. Most electronic indexes provide users with various options for more effective searching. In cases where you are dealing with common surnames in large cities, it is often helpful to specify more information to narrow down your search. In addition, when an ancestor cannot be located using basic searches, sometimes they can be located by entering different combinations of information, such as first name and township/county/state or other keywords that may be available in the database.	+	*'''ADVANCED SEARCH TOOLS'''. Most electronic indexes provide users with various options for more effective searching. In cases where you are dealing with common surnames in large cities, it is often helpful to specify more information to narrow down your search. In addition, when an ancestor cannot be located using basic searches, sometimes they can be located by entering different combinations of information, such as first name and township/county/state or other keywords that may be available in the database.

-	#'''KEYWORDS'''. When searching a database, users are typically given the choice of searching by surname, given name, locality, and keyword. If the user begins by using only the surname and state, the resulting matches will likely be too broad. While it is sometimes impossible to include a given name or locality, try narrowing down the search results using keywords. For example, suppose you are searching for an ancestor named John Brown from Mississippi. After putting those details in the search you could also add any other information you know about him in the keyword field, e.g. the township, a country of origin, a language, a date, etc.	+	*'''KEYWORDS'''. When searching a database, users are typically given the choice of searching by surname, given name, locality, and keyword. If the user begins by using only the surname and state, the resulting matches will likely be too broad. While it is sometimes impossible to include a given name or locality, try narrowing down the search results using keywords. For example, suppose you are searching for an ancestor named John Brown from Mississippi. After putting those details in the search you could also add any other information you know about him in the keyword field, e.g. the township, a country of origin, a language, a date, etc.

-	#'''SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE'''. Keep in mind that databases will only give hits on exact matches. When too much information is included in a search, you run the risk of eliminating a possible hit in cases where names have been abbreviated or misspelled, where variations exist, or when information is missing.	+	*'''SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE'''. Keep in mind that databases will only give hits on exact matches. When too much information is included in a search, you run the risk of eliminating a possible hit in cases where names have been abbreviated or misspelled, where variations exist, or when information is missing.

-	#'''GIVEN NAMES'''. If you specify a given name, be sure to also look for variations, misspellings, or abbreviations of that name. Sometimes only an initial or abbreviation is used, such as Chas. for Charles or Thos. for Thomas. Also look for variations and different spellings—Eliza, Beth, Liz, Liza, for Elizabeth; Alex for Alexander; Jim for James; Jon for John. If you are looking for an immigrant ancestor, look for his or her name as spelled in the native language.	+	*'''GIVEN NAMES'''. If you specify a given name, be sure to also look for variations, misspellings, or abbreviations of that name. Sometimes only an initial or abbreviation is used, such as Chas. for Charles or Thos. for Thomas. Also look for variations and different spellings—Eliza, Beth, Liz, Liza, for Elizabeth; Alex for Alexander; Jim for James; Jon for John. If you are looking for an immigrant ancestor, look for his or her name as spelled in the native language.

-	#'''SOUNDEX SEARCHES'''. Many electronic indexes allow for Soundex searches. This may help you to get positive results, despite possible misspellings. For other databases, you may want to say the name aloud. For example, when searching the surname Dwyer data entries are listed as Ware, Toire, Wire, and Weir. Note the phonetic spellings of names and try using different accents.	+	*'''SOUNDEX SEARCHES'''. Many electronic indexes allow for Soundex searches. This may help you to get positive results, despite possible misspellings. For other databases, you may want to say the name aloud. For example, when searching the surname Dwyer data entries are listed as Ware, Toire, Wire, and Weir. Note the phonetic spellings of names and try using different accents.

-	#'''RESEARCH LOG'''. When you are searching for multiple names, and multiple spellings for multiple years, it can be difficult to keep track of where you have searched, when, and for what. Keeping a log of the places you have searched and combination of search terms used, along with results, can save much duplicated effort. With websites that are constantly being updated, bugs worked out, and/or search features enhanced, you may want to go back occasionally to recheck for missing ancestors. Your log can tell you when you last checked a site. The [http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/researchcal.htm free research calendar] at Ancestry.com can be used to record your searches.	+	*'''RESEARCH LOG'''. When you are searching for multiple names, and multiple spellings for multiple years, it can be difficult to keep track of where you have searched, when, and for what. Keeping a log of the places you have searched and combination of search terms used, along with results, can save much duplicated effort. With websites that are constantly being updated, bugs worked out, and/or search features enhanced, you may want to go back occasionally to recheck for missing ancestors. Your log can tell you when you last checked a site. The [http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/researchcal.htm free research calendar] at Ancestry.com can be used to record your searches.

-	#'''BEYOND THE INDEX'''. While indexes are becoming more and more detailed, there is still more to be found on the original documents. For example, the FamilySearch 1880 U.S. Census and National Index contains the following	+	*'''BEYOND THE INDEX'''. While indexes are becoming more and more detailed, there is still more to be found on the original documents. For example, the FamilySearch 1880 U.S. Census and National Index contains the following
-	: *name	+	::*name
-	: *age	+	::*age
-	: *relationship	+	::*relationship
-	: *occupation	+	::*occupation
-	: *sex	+	::*sex
-	: *birthplace	+	::*birthplace
-	: *marital status	+	::*marital status
-	: *father’s birthplace	+	::*father’s birthplace
-	: *race	+	::*race
-	: *mother’s birthplace	+	::*mother’s birthplace

-	: but you will not find the any of following information that can be found by looking at a copy of the original enumeration:	+	::but you will not find the any of following information that can be found by looking at a copy of the original enumeration:

-	: *the family’s address	+	::*the family’s address
-	: *how many families reside in the dwelling	+	::*how many families reside in the dwelling
-	: *month of birth for children born within the year	+	::*month of birth for children born within the year
-	: *whether individuals were married that year	+	::*whether individuals were married that year
-	: *how many months an individual was unemployed	+	::*how many months an individual was unemployed
-	: *school attendance during the year	+	::*school attendance during the year
-	: *whether unable to read if age 10 or older	+	::*whether unable to read if age 10 or older
-	: *whether sick or temporarily disabled on the day of enumeration and the reason therefore	+	::*whether sick or temporarily disabled on the day of enumeration and the reason therefore
-	: *whether the individual was blind, deaf-mute, idiotic,” insane, or permanently disabled	+	::*whether the individual was blind, deaf-mute, idiotic,” insane, or permanently disabled

-	In addition, as previously discussed, indexes may contain errors, causing you to miss family members that could be found in browsing the enumerations.	+	::In addition, as previously discussed, indexes may contain errors, causing you to miss family members that could be found in browsing the enumerations.

	*'''USING ONLINE SOURCES TO SAVE TIME DURING LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE VISITS'''. With more and more census information becoming available online and on CD-ROM, by performing as many of these searches from the comfort of your home, you can free up valuable research time to search other records and resources when the opportunity arises to visit a facility with a large genealogical collection.		*'''USING ONLINE SOURCES TO SAVE TIME DURING LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE VISITS'''. With more and more census information becoming available online and on CD-ROM, by performing as many of these searches from the comfort of your home, you can free up valuable research time to search other records and resources when the opportunity arises to visit a facility with a large genealogical collection.