How to abstract a U.S. census with Mathew Armstrong 1850 population schedule as my example

In this article, I will demonstrate how to abstract a census from a digital image to a genealogical software program. For this example, the 1850 U.S. census population schedule for Matthew Armstrong will be used with the genealogical software program Roots Magic.

In every census, the enumerators asked different questions. Start with the most current census in which a known family member has been located. Always work backward; find the family in each census; always abstract all of the information.

The 1880 U.S. Census population schedule is the first year that the enumerator asked the question about the relationship of each individual to the head of the household. The 1850, 1860, and 1870 census information does not establish relationships. When working backward or with the information from other documents when abstracting the 1850, 1860, or 1870 census records, I will add [relationship established from other documents] in the comments area. The relationship information is necessary for sharing documents. If I do not have the relationship information, an entry is made in my “to do” list or family research. Remember, census records are clues only!

In Roots Magic software, events may be shared with multiple people. Shared events are great for census or obituaries or any event with multiple names. The event is entered, abstracted with source cited only once and then easily shared with others.

For more articles on census research, read my other census or how to articles on this blog. 

Happy tree climbing and roots digging,

Selma

U.S. Census: Population Schedule

William J. Schuler family 1923, Lockport, IL. youngest to oldest - Dorothy, Mildred, Lloyd, Eleanor, Nettie, W.J. possession of Selma Blackmon

For the genealogist, every U.S. Population Schedule census provides unique information. Research each family in every census. The National Archives offers two concise articles, titled Clues in Census Records, 1850-1930 and Clues in Census Records, 1790-1840.
In order to compare census records by year, download and/or print the online information. Download both the index page and the census page. Abstract the research information into a genealogical software program or database. Always cite all research sources!
The census questions are different, check every census.
Name:

• Head of household: 1790-1840
• Everyone in the household: 1850 onward (except slaves), remember, relationship to the head of the house started in 1880

Birth date:

• Age range of free white males and free white females only: 1790-1840
• Age of everyone in the household: 1850 onward
• Census days and the time allowed to complete each enumeration will help the researcher to narrow birth dates. The changes in the specific census day and time allowed to complete the count may account for discrepancies when comparing census years. The 1900 census is the only census with the month and year.

Other information included:

• Parents nativity
• Marriage
• Immigration and citizenship
• Military service
• Occupation
• Able to read or write
• Able to speak English
• Address

The 1940 census schedule asks for the person’s 1935 address. With many financial and farming changes during the 1930’s, this information may answer migration questions.
According to Measuring America by the U.S. Census Bureau “The U.S. Government did not furnish uniform printed schedules until 1830.” Even after this time with identical schedules, not all blanks have been filled in on every census page. The recorded information depended on the enumerator as well as the person answering the questions.
Questions for the researcher to ponder (all the following questions can be answered on each census page):

• What does the census tell us?
• Who gathered the information?
• What was the purpose of this information?
• When was the census taken?
• Where is this family living?

What U.S. census questions do you have? Contact Selma Blackmon

Census: How to begin a search

1940 U.S. Census. population schedule. Illinois, Will, Frankfort. E.D. 099-11. sheet 5B. William Kampe. National Archives. Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com. accessed 11 April 2012.   

For the genealogist, the U.S. federal population schedule census records are a major source of information. First, the family historian must remember that census information is restricted for 72 years. Second, federal enumeration was collected every 10 years. Third, most of the 1890 population schedule is not available. Fourth, genealogy was not the primary purpose for gathering census information. Fifth, the information should be used as a stepping stones to other records and research.

As will all research, the family historian must know basic information such as the surname, given name, and the person’s location for the census year. If this information is not known, a few resources include:

• Family member or friend
• Obituary
• City directory
• Historical telephone book
• Personal papers

Search suggestions:

• With the above information, search each census year starting with the current year and work backward.
• Search one family at a time, if unable to find the family then start with another family
• Download and/or print online census information for all surname spellings in an area
• If using an online indexed database, download both the index page and the census page
• Abstract research information into a genealogical software program or database
• Cite all of your research sources
• For more census information, read “Census Records” on the National Archives website.

Family Search.org offers tutorials and wiki information search under learn at the top of the home page.

What U.S. census questions do you have? Contact Selma Blackmon.

THE CENSUS TAKER

It was the first day of census, and all through the land;

The pollster was ready…a black book in hand.

He mounted his horse for a long dusty ride;

His book and some quills were tucked close by his side.

A long winding ride down a road barely there;

Toward the smell of fresh bread wafting up thru the air.

The woman was tired, with lines on her face;

And wisps of brown hair she tucked back into place.

She gave him some water…as they sat at the table;

And she answered his questions…the best she was able.

He asked of her children…Yes, she had quite a few;

The oldest was twenty, the youngest not two.

She held up a toddler with cheeks round and red;

His sister, she whispered, was napping in bed.

She noted each person who lived there with pride;

And she felt the faint stirrings of the wee one inside.

He noted the sex, the color, the age…;

The marks from the quill soon filled up the page.

At the number of children, she nodded her head;

And he saw her lips quiver for the three that were dead.

The places of birth she “never forgot,”

Was it Kansas? Or Utah? Or Oregon…or not?

They came from Scotland, of that she was clear;

But she wasn’t quite sure just how long they’d been here.

They spoke of employment, of schooling and such;

They could read and write some tho really not much.

With the questions all answered his job there was done;

So he mounted his horse and he rode toward the sun.

We can almost imagine his voice loud and clear;

“May God bless you all for another ten years.”

Now picture a time warp…it’s now you and me;

As we search for the people on our family tree.

We squint at the census and scroll down so slow;

As we search for that entry from long, long ago.

Could they only imagine, on that long ago day;

That the entries they made would affect us this way.

If they knew, would they wonder at the yearning we feel;

And the searching that makes them so increasingly real.

We can hear if we listen the words they impart;

Through their blood in our vein and their voice in our heart.

Author Unknown