#MOSTRECENT CENSUSRECORD HOW TO#

Every family member in a household was listed by name however, their relationship to the head of the household was not indicated until the 1880 census. Starting with the 1850 census, more information began to be gathered from U.S. Starting in 1870, African American citizens were counted in the census as part of the general population. Other family members were indicated by numbers or tic marks in columns denoting sex and age for example, “Free White Persons- Males 45 and Over.” Slaves were also counted in the census through 1860, but no further details were provided other than the number of slaves owned, and their approximate ages. Prior to the 1850 census, only heads of household were listed by name. Back then, census records were not thought of as a future genealogical resource! Census enumerations helped local governments track population growth and assess taxes on property, among other uses. In the United States, a census, or enumeration, of the country’s population has been taken every 10 years since 1790.

#MOSTRECENT CENSUSRECORD HOW TO#

This article will provide an overview of census records, and how to use the information they provide to your advantage. Every family historian, whether new to genealogy or a seasoned professional, learns the importance of using census records in their research. They can provide a treasure trove of information, paint a picture of our ancestors’ lives, and help provide clues to discovering further records. Census records are some of the most valuable record types for genealogy research.

Mostrecent censusrecord