Exploring the U.S. Federal Census

Bite-Sized Genealogy Series Tip 7

The Census. An enumerator collecting statistics in the German district, on the east side, New York City. [New York: Frank Leslie] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2023634259/>.

The U.S. Federal Census began in 1790, however, it wasn’t until 1850 that all members of the household were listed by name. As researchers, it’s best to keep in mind that the census has evolved over time, and therefore contains different data decade by decade! Why does that matter? It matters because each census will give you different clues about your ancestors.

Here are a few examples of variance:

1850 was the first time that all members of the household were listed by name.

1870 was the first time formerly enslaved persons were listed by name.

1890 was burned. Certainly not intentionally, but I wouldn’t spend a massive amount of time looking for ancestors on the fragments. It’s pretty much gone! Prepare to look elsewhere when researching 1890.

1900 included immigration questions. This is an incredible place to start if you have ancestors who came to America around this time.

1920 included Native Americans on Reservations for the very first time.

1940 included informant. Prior to 1940, the person answering the questions was never indicated. In 1940 census, you can look beside the names for a little x. That indicates who talked to the census worker.