Census Records http://ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/2046.asp

1
Census Recordshttp//ancestry.com/library/view/an
cmag/2046.asp
Websters dictionary states that a census is a
periodic governmental enumeration of a
population.

• First census was taken 1790 then every 10 years
  since.

2
Census records value

• Were created for different purposes. The 1880
  was needed to see how many people would be on
  Social Security
• The government never intended the Census records
  to be used for genealogy
• They are a boon to genealogists. They contain
  many pieces of data that can help you to locate
  your ancestors
• Few other records give us better leads to find
  our ancestors

3
Availability of censuses

• Genealogical library
• Most public libraries
• Ancestry.com (pay site) see actual census records
• Heritage Quest see actual census records, (Free
  with public library card) http//www.slco.lib.ut.u
  s/database_heritage.htm
• Family Tree Maker (pay site) buy CDs
• Buy CD sets of census schedules
• 1930 census is the most recent one available

4
What is on a Census

• From 1790 to 1840 there were very few questions,
  limiting the value of the records
• Since 1850 the number and scope of the questions
  changed
• Names, ages, gender, occupation, head of house
  hold, place of abode, education, nationality,
  native tongue, citizenship
• 1920 census had 29 questions asked of each
  household
• Each census has different information, be
  familiar with each and what it has to offer

5

• Privacy laws prohibit, public view for 72 years
  after the census is taken.
• Samples of a few census schedules can be found at
• www.familysearch.org , search tab, research
  helps, sort by document type, find the year of
  census you want

6
Soundex Codes

• Soundex is the most important piece of the
  puzzle. Surnames reduced to 4 character code
• Cyndislist.com and use the soundex converter.
  Then you do not need to know the rules
• Use the PAF program tools, Soundex Code
• Rules
• Keep the first letter, but remove all remaining
  vowels and the letters H, W, and Y. Example
  Willard would be WLLRD
• Keep the first letter but remove one consonant
  from any double. Example WLRD

7

• Use the coding guide for the last 3 letters
• B, F, P, V 1
• C, G, J, K, Q, S, X, Z 2
• D,T 3
• L 4
• M, N 5
• R 6

• Willard would now be W463 in the soundex system

• Take the name Jones and create a soundex number
  JNS J520

• Remember all vowels and the letters H, W, and Y
  are not considered at all

8
Sample of Cyndis list converter

• http//www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/3916/soun
  dex.html
• Surname to Soundex Converter
• Converts English alphabet only
• Soundex was used by the National Archives to
  index the U.S. censuses. It codes together
  surnames that sound similar but have different
  spellings.

9
Preparations before using a census

• Write down as many facts as you know about the
  family
• Spell family name as it appears. Think of as many
  name variations as you can. Convert to Soundex
• Use a census template, these can be found at
  familysearch.org (instructions on slide 5),
  Ancestry.com (my trees, go to bottom right of
  screen), genealogy.com (http//genealogy.com/genea
  logy/00000061.html)
• Ancestry Census forms http//www.ancestry.com/tree
  s/charts/census.aspx
• Call the library ahead of time to find out what
  they have available
• Know the state and county that you are searching.
  Keep in mind that you may need to check
  neighboring counties

10
Keep in mind the following tips

• Verify information
• Make a hard copy (hand copy, scan, use a digital
  camera or zerox, etc)
• Document in your research log
• Follow up on any clues you learn from the census

11
Final note

• Census research can be the most rewarding but it
  can be the most boring and frustrating. Be
  prepared for both.
• Dont worry about learning how to do it. If
  youll just do it, youll learn how!
• Richard G. Scott