|
Census
|
|
|
Federal Census Records Censuses can be taken for many reasons. In the case of the federal censuses, the primary motivation was, and is, counting the total population every ten years to determine representation in the House of Representatives. From the first census in 1790 to 1840, only heads of household were named, and family members were listed in age brackets. Beginning in 1850, every person in the house was listed by name, age, sex, race, birthplace, and occupation. This information makes the federal census one of the most useful and rewarding genealogical tools. Like nearly all sources, census records contaion errors and omissions and therefore call for caution in their use. However, the benefits of using them far outweigh the drawbacks. Census Day In each census year, one day was designated as census day. The information given to the census taker was to be correct as of that day, which was not necessarily the day that the enumeration was actually recorded at each house. Persons who died after cenus day were to be included because they were alive on census day. Babies born after census were to be omitted because they were not yet members of the household on census day. Of course, these instructions were not always followed to the letter, but we must be aware of them and begin our study of the information as if they were followed. exerpts from: |
|
The Howdyshell Genealogy Site is published and maintained by Don
Ray Houdyshell. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to email me
at [email protected]. |