The Mad Genealogist

Click to view/Print Blank US 1790 Census Extract Form

The United States was the first country to call for a regularly held census. The Constitution required that a census of all “Persons…excluding Indians not taxed” be performed to determine the collection of taxes and the appropriation of seats in the House of Representatives. The first nine censuses from 1790 to 1870 were organized under the United States Federal Court system. Each district was assigned a U.S. marshal who hired other marshals to administer the census. Governors were responsible for enumeration in territories.

Sample from US 1790 Census of New Haven County, CT

Below, you will find a chart containing the approximate birth years for age listings on the census. Please remember, that before 1850 the census information on age was vague.

Footnote is offering the 1930 US Census for Free for the month of August and “see the lives of people not just names”. You might wonder why they offer the 1930 US Census while other sites already have it. I believe they offer a richer experience at exploring the census. Some things I like that makes Footnote different are:

• Instantly see names you searched in the Footnote Viewer
• Add stories and pictures to a name
• Choose “I’m related” to show your relationship
• Keep and eye on things with Watch

In addition to the population schedules, federal, state and local governments have requested special information for administrative decisions. These special schedules can be quite useful for family historians.

An act of 3 March 1879 provided that any state could take an interdecennial census with partial reimbursement by the federal government. Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, and the territories of Dakota and New Mexico returned schedules to the secretary of the interior. The schedules are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Exciting things are happening at Footnote! On May 8th, Footnote released the 1860 U.S. Federal Census
as a new addition to its already extensive Civil War Collection. This project was a joint effort with FamilySearch, who provided the images for the 1860 US Federal Census title. From those images, Footnote created an index enabling visitors to simply type in a name and search the millions of names contained within this title. The index created by Footnote is now available on FamilySearch as well.

In a blog post by the Ancestry insider titled “1890 Census Recovered!” revealed that 25% was actual destroyed with 37% damaged and 38% undamaged. Then our great efficient Mislabeled the remaining files. There is even a search box at the bottom of the post to search for your ancestors in the 1890 Census.

When I read this I got real excited. I was just beginning to count the number of ancestors I could piece together when I realized the date. April 1st. It just crushed my little heart when I realized it was just a joke but I commend the Ancestry Insider for putting together such a great piece.

SEE FIRST POST FOR DETAIL OF CONTEST

Here is a list of Nichols in various records before 1790