The U.S. Federal Census is one of the most valuable resources available to help advance your genealogical research. By examining census records, you can discover where your ancestors lived, how large their families were, and what they did for a living.
Here are three ways you can use the Federal Census to reconstruct your family's history.
☝🏽 But first, a cautionary tale…
Avoid the Pitfalls of Misinformation
It’s important to note that historical documents, including census records, can and often do contain errors. To make sure your research is accurate and reliable for future generations, it's important to cross-check your findings through as many primary sources as possible. Once you've found your ancestor in the census, follow up with other records to fill in the gaps in your research. Birth, marriage, and death records, as well as military and immigration records, can all provide valuable information. You’d be surprised how many people with the same first and last name, born in the same year, can live in the same city at the same time.
Okay, now let's get into it... 😊
Be Sure to Explore ALL Columns
Utilizing the census can provide a wealth of information about your family members conveniently located in one document. I love a one-stop shop. Depending on the enumeration year, you can obtain essential details such as birthplace, immigration year, literacy, occupation, and marriage year.
One response field I find particularly helpful is the birthplace of father and mother, which is useful in kickstarting research into previous generations or confirming past findings.
Another useful question is found in the 1910 Census, which asked mothers how many children they birthed and how many were living when the census was taken. This question has helped me determine whether the respondent is the biological mother of all the children living in the household, which could suggest a previous marriage. It can also reveal additional children that require further investigation.
Research Family Groups
Census records can benefit the researcher by identifying family groups. Although you’re only viewing a snapshot in time, locating the family as a group can help determine whether you’re barking up the right family tree.
Beginning in 1850, census takers were instructed to account for every member of the household, which is helpful for genealogical research. Cousins or in-laws living in the home can potentially unlock another generation or help confirm a relationship to another family branch.
Don’t Forget the Neighbors!
Discovering your ancestors in census records can reveal more than just their personal information. It can also provide insight into the community they were a part of. Often, neighbors listed in the census were relatives, close acquaintances, or business associates of your ancestors. If you’re struggling to find your ancestor in a particular census, try searching for their neighbors!
Using the Federal Census as a starting point, with a little persistence and some detective work, you may be surprised at what you'll discover!
Hi! I'm Trista. My mission is to spark curiosity, interest, and desire in all people, to learn about those who came before them, to preserve family histories for generations to come. Contact me for more information at tristathegenealogist.com.
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