What is the name, age, sex, color, occupation, and birthplace of each person residing in this house? Which of these individuals attended school or was married within the year? Who among them is deaf and dumb, blind, insane, “idiotic,” a pauper, or a convict? Is there anyone in the household over twenty years of age who cannot read and write? What is the name of the slave owner? How many slaves belong to the owner? What is the tribe of this Indian? What were the places of birth of the person’s parents? In what year did this person immigrate to the United States and, if naturalized, what was the year of naturalization?
For answers to these and other questions, researchers look to census records. While not all of these inquiries were made in every census year, each of the decennial (occurring every ten years) enumerations of the inhabitants of the United States has its own potential for solving mysteries of the past. Few, if any, records shed as much light on individuals, families, or communities as do population census schedules. From the first federal census of 1790 to the 1930 census (the most recent census available to the public), the records present a vast resource that is rich in personal information and very accessible.
For answers to these and other questions, researchers look to census records...... Includes the Topics:
Historical Background -
The Census Bureau -
Strengths & Limitations -
Historical Perspective -
Missing Censuses -
False Census Entries -
Missing Persons -
Legibility & Handwriting -
Suggestions For Searches -
Interpreting Census Information -
Census Restrictions
