Jane Angeline Dunham 1823-1906, parents William F Dunham & Sarah Metcalf

Green Bay Press-Gazette. 10 August 1893. Newspapers.com

William F Dunham and Sarah Metcalf have been connected as the parents of Jane Angeline Dunham 1823-1906. WE now have a paper trail and DNA trail. The reason I choose “WE” is because it has taken many years and many “cousins.” This hunt started in about 1990 with several photos from a 1900 Christmas album gift to my grandmother, Nettie Couch, 1884-1965. The hunt never ends. Now, I am looking for more cousins and more information on Jane’s parents. Along the way, I have found the names of DNA matches with every one of the siblings, several other Dunham families and several Metcalf families.

Special thanks to:

• Dunham’s of Rome including Ann Eldred (1935-2003), Phyllis KItson, P.C. Alger, and Bill Wood, these people put my original question, “Dunham by birth or by marriage?” to rest with many photos and family group sheets
• Beth for sharing a family group sheet from her research, especially on the Hickok line
• Rich for all his DNA hours and for answering my basic DNA questions
• Christina for this wonderful newspaper clipping that finally joins OUR family, for meeting me in Wisconsin several years ago, for introducing me to her sister, for sharing their family stories
• Jane Wilcox, Forget-MeNot Ancestry, for guiding me in my searches
• MyHeritage and Ancestry for DNA match suggestions
• NGS research trips, especially a full packed week in Madison, Wisconsin
• Gratia for sharing her vast knowledge of the Dunham family and her hours of research
• Many, many friends and family who have listened to me whine for 20+ years because I could not find Jane’s parents 

Jane A Dunham Couch

Jane Angeline DUNHAM (1823 - 1906)
2nd great-grandmother

Eugene Deloss COUCH (1851 - 1925)
Son of Jane Angeline DUNHAM

Nettie Ethel COUCH (1884 - 1965)
Daughter of Eugene Deloss COUCH

Mildred Louise SCHULER (1919 - 2008)
Daughter of Nettie Ethel COUCH

Selma Ethel KAMPE
You are the daughter of Mildred Louise SCHULER

Now, more questions:

• How come family Bible and all censuses except 1900 census list New York or Rome, New York as birth?
• How come the 43 year lack of family contact?
• How come migrated to LaSalle County, Illinois instead of Wisconsin?
• Who are Jane’s grandparents?

View my Roots_Digger tree on Ancestry and Roots_Digger Related on MyHeritage. Join me in our search for more family members, stories, photos. Contact me a sbgenealogy@gmail.com

Christian Schlottmann 1860-1940, Will County, Illinois

Why do I want to know the name of the father of Harry Christian Schlottmann 1896-1946? Harry married Lizzie Dralle in Monee, Illinois in 1916. According to my research, Lizzie was my first cousin twice removed. So, research adds family to my tree.

The following are the records, the bare bones, from me to you as your family researcher, someone who never knew the family.  If YOU know or knew this family, please share YOUR family stories.

My search brought to the surface two men named Christian Schlottmann in Will County as possible fathers; one man was born 1857 the other man was born in 1860. A timeline is needed to separate or conclude that this is the same man.

Records for Harry (1896-1946) suggest that he was born, married, died and lived his whole life in Will County, Illinois. See the U.S. census records for 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940. Harry’s baptismal records may be viewed on FamilySearch.org. My citation: Schlottmann, Herry [Harry] Christian Henry, baptized 31 January 1897, birth 4 December 1896. father: Christian Schlottmann, mother: Marie Buchholz pg 75, image 101 of 504. St Peter's Evangelical Church of Green Garden and St Peter's United Church of Christ, Frankfort, Illinois. Book 2. Family History Library. film #8166731. www.familysearch.org. accessed 4-7 December 2018.

Church marriage records for Harry’s father and mother may be viewed on Family Search.org. My citation: Schlottmann, Christian of Green Garden age 23 & Maria Buchholz of Green Garden age 18, marriage 25 January 1883. pg 292, image 127 of 504. St Peter's Evangelical Church of Green Garden and St Peter's United Church of Christ, Frankfort, Illinois. Book 2. Family History Library. film #8166731. www.familysearch.org. accessed 4-7 December 2018.

According to the church record with the marriage in 1883, Christian was born in about 1860 and Maria was born in about 1865. Another marriage was recorded in 1880 in the same church book. This marriage was between Henry C, born about 1857, and Sophia. My conclusion: there are two men of the same name married to two different ladies with the same surname.

Follow the census records, Henry Christian Schlottmann, born 1857, moved out of state shortly after his marriage in 1880. The probate records for Christian Schlottman who died in 1870 provide information that these were two brothers Henry Christian born 1857 and Christian born 1860.

Keep searching!!! More records are waiting to be found! Heritage Quest provided easy access to probate records for Christian Schlottman who died 1870 in Will County, Illinois. In the 1870 probate packet is Proof of Heirship given by Velna Schlottmann Voigt of Monee, Illinois dated 1941. Velna is the daughter of Christian, 1860-1940 and the sister of Harry, 1896-1946. My citation: Schlottmann, Christian, died 25 December 1870 in Green Garden Township, Will County, Illinois. Will County, Illinois probate case files, ca. 1847-1889; Author: Illinois. Probate Court (Will County); Probate Place: Will, Illinois. Ancestry.com. Illinois Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Illinois County, District and Probate Courts Heritage Quest Accessed 23 December 2018. With so many males named Christian, Velna probably used the earlier will as her proof that Christian who died 1870 was father of Christian who died 1940 who had a son Harry Christian born 1896.

How do I know that. . . Christian Schlottmann, 1860-1940, was the father of Harry Christian Schlottmann, 1896-1946. My assumptions are rooted in the clues of census, in church records, and in probate records. Please let me know if you have other information to add to this search! Thank you!

My searching will never end, for updates check out my Roots Digger tree on Ancestry.com, MYHeritage.com and geni.com.

Happy tree climbing and roots digging,

Selma Kampe Blackmon, aka Roots Digger

Lindsey William Dunham (1820-1899) what and how do I know it?

Name: Lindsey William Dunham, most records provide either Lindsey W or L. W.; his death certificate reads “Lindsey Wm Dunham.” The microfilm record may be found in the Wisconsin Pre-1907 Records Collection at the Wisconsin Historical Society Library, Madison, Wisconsin. Specific information: Oconto County, Volume 1, page 327, microfilm reel 101, index volume 1 and sequence number 90131.

Birth date and place: 26 March 1820, Pomfret, Windsor County, Vermont, see name record.

Father: William F Dunham, my main connecting record is testimony at Lindsey’s divorce case. “. . . the plaintiff is my son. . .”  Wisconsin, Manitowoc County. Court Records. CF16 #2189. "Lindsey W. Dunham plaintiff vs Esther A. Dunham defendant" 26 October 1858 granted 23 April 1861. 23 pages. Archives and Area Research Center #2401, Cofrin Library, UW Green Bay, 2420 Nicout Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311-7001.

Mother: Sarah Metcalf, this information is derived from her marriage to William F on 21 January 1819 in Pomfret, Windsor County, Vermont. "Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F8R8-8Z8 : 6 April 2016), William F Dunham and Sarah Metcalf, 21 Jan 1819; citing Marriage, Pomfret, Windsor, Vermont, United States, town clerk offices from various counties; FHL microfilm 28,665. Accessed on Ancestry.com.

First marriage: Esther Ann Baldwin and Lindsey were married about 1 April 1847. This estimate comes from Lindsey’s divorce testimony. It is written that he stated the year as 1857, but one son had been born and the divorce was already in process. This is probably a misunderstanding. The divorce testimony states they were married by Pastor Lewis. Research by a hired certified APG person has identified a Pastor Lewis as the pastor of the Seventh Day Baptist church of Verona, Oneida County, New York about 1844-1848. After a trip to the church archives in Janesville, Wisconsin, at this time, no records are available verifying this marriage date. Several land deeds from New York for purchase of land by Lindsey and his wife, Esther, from Norman Baldwin are dated 1844 and 1847.

First marriage ended in divorce: In 1856, Lindsey published a notice for non-payment of others debts in the Manitowoc Herald newspaper. See Roots Digger tree on Ancestry for digital image with source. For divorce filings see the source for relationship of father above.

Second marriage: Esther James’ marriage to Lindsey date unknown at this time. The 1870 US census reads that Rebecca James “lives with daughter.” Rebecca and Esther are enumerated in the household with Lindsey Dunham.  Year 1870, Howard, Brown County, Wisconsin. Roll M593_1703. Page 274A. Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. 

Child: Jay Forrester Dunham was born 1 December 1852. In 1852, Jay’s biological mother would be Esther Baldwin and NOT Esther James.

There is no evidence that Lindsey William Dunham had any other biological children.

Death: 20 February 1899 see the death certificate source above with Name. Look at the Find a Grave Site, there are other Dunham family members buried in the Mill Centre cemetery, Howard, Brown County, Wisconsin.

My connection to Lindsey, at this time I have DNA matches to his siblings. Lindsey and Jane A, my maternal second great grandmother, worked together in 1844 in Rome, Oneida County, New York. Help me! I want to find this family connection!

As of this writing, I have recently found a DNA match for Metcalf, possibly Lindsey’s mother's line. 

Currently I do not know the parents of William F. Dunham.

Please send any comments or questions to sbgenealogy@gmail.com. Thank you.

Mrs. Esther Dunham, wife of Lindsey Dunham - who is she?

Mrs. Esther Dunham, wife of Lindsey William Dunham (1820-1899), who is she or who are they? The census records reveal a female named Esther living with the family from 1850 to 1900. As with all research, more questions than answers.

Lindsey William Dunham was born in Vermont and died in Wisconsin. He lived an interesting and exciting life during his 78 year span. Many interesting tales could be written about Lindsey such as his working with Jane A Dunham in Rome, New York, possibly as a tailor. But, this article is about who are the two Esther's?

In 1844, Norman Baldwin and his wife Louisa and Moses Baldwin sold land in Rome, Oneida County, New York to Esther Ann Dunham and her husband, Lindsey. At that time, all the people involved lived in Verona, New York. In 1850, Norman, Esther and Lindsey live in the same house in Manitowoc Rapids, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  The Manitowoc Herald newspaper provides a notice for non payment of others debts by Lindsey. The paper is dated 1856. The notice states that father-in-law, Norman Baldwin and Esther A, his wife, have left the home. Lindsey files for divorce in 1858. I am unable to find Esther Baldwin in the 1860 census. According to the divorce court records, she went to Iowa with her father. In the 1870 census, Esther Baldwin is living in Honey Creek, Iowa County, Iowa with Moses Baldwin, her brother. Norman, her father, was buried in Koszta, Iowa County, Iowa, in 1859. The Find-A-Grave memorial offers information on the rest of Norman's family. This information includes Esther Ann Baldwin's death in 1878. At this time, I am unable to verify her death or burial.

Who is Esther James? The census offers either New York or Vermont in 1834 as possible birth locations. In 1850, she was living with Samuel and Rebecca James in Port Washington, Washington County, Wisconsin. In 1860, Esther is living with Lindsey and Jay Dunham in Howard, Brown County, Wisconsin. The 1870 census lists Esther Dunham with Lindsey, Jay and Rebecca James. A note on the census page states that Rebecca is living with her daughter. The 1880 census offers only Lindsey and Esther with a wide age difference. In the 1900 census, Esther is living with Jay, listed as his mother. This is where the confusion starts. She is widowed and married 49 years, the calculations would state she was married in 1851. Also, stated that Esther had three children with one living. To me, this sounds like she was previously married. To whom? When? Where? I am not able to find another records on her.

Compare the two Esther's in Lindsey Dunham's life:
Esther Baldwin was born about 1826 in New York to Norman and Louisa Baldwin
Esther James was born in 1834 in either New York or Vermont to Samuel and Rebecca James

Esther Baldwin married Lindsey about 1844 in Verona, New York. Hopefully will find church records to verify this marriage.
Esther James lived in home in 1860. Married about 1860? Unable to find records. Was she previously married?

Esther Baldwin died 1878.
Esther James died 1901.

For more of my research, view my tree, Roots_Digger family tree, on Ancestry.com.

"The Genealogist's Census Pocket Reference" by Allison Dolan

The Genealogist's Census Pocket Reference: Tips, Tricks & Fast Facts to Track Your Ancestors authored by Allison Dolan and the editors of Family Tree Magazine provides a small book to carry in your pocket, tote bag or Kindle. Yet, this small book provides resources for websites, enumerator questions, keys to abbreviations, explanations of special schedules, census resources and maps. The pocket reference covers the United States census years of 1790-1940 and 19 international countries.

Do you know, "The census was to record the population exactly as it was on the official census date. However, enumerators may have visited an address days or weeks after the official census date."
Why is this important? Birth or death dates were to be as of the official date. Births or deaths after the official date were not to be reported. Confusion about the dates or questions sometimes lead to errors.
Do you know that the departments of War and Navy enumerated military personnel separately, in what years and where are the records? For the answers, read pages 13 and148.
Do you know if your state has missing records, a state census or special schedules? For the answers, read pages 15-17, 122-134 and 136-140.

What makes this book unique?

• pocket size
• ease to carry, yet packed with material
• specialized for census only

Dolan, Allison & editors of Family Tree Magazine. The Genealogist's Census Pocket Reference: Tips, Tricks & Fast Facts to Track Your Ancestors. Cincinnati: Family Tree Books. 2012. quote regarding census date from page 12.

This pocket reference covers all census areas from dates and maps to enumerator questions and instructions. The title describes to the reader what will be found inside; and, inside the reader will find every detail in the title; nothing has been left out. The material is ageless. Our census use and access is limited only to our imagination. This guide opens up our imagination by presenting the census completely and concisely.

Check area libraries, this book is available at the Gwinnett County Public Library, Georgia. Ask yourself, does this book help me advance towards my genealogy goals? Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, Thank you!

John Schuler 1815-1875

According to family records, Johannes Schuler was born 4 January 1815 in Endingen, Emmendingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.[Not being an European researcher, I have no idea what the full location names mean.] John died 21 August 1875 in Lockport, Will County, Illinois. He was buried 25 August 1875 in the Lockport City Cemetery. Not exciting news, what happened between the birth and death dates? Follow his migration path.

John Schuler emigrated from Endingen, Germany in June 1833. Johann Georg Schuler and his wife, Agnes Zimmermann, left sometime in June of 1833 with their five children. Johannes Schuler, the eldest child, was 19. David J. Sautter's Endingen research is available on Family Search.org.

Passenger records reveal the family arrived in Baltimore, Maryland between July and September 1833. In 1838, John married Anna VonGunten in Wood County, Ohio. What happened between 1833 and 1838? At this time, no records reveal their secret. After his wedding, John and his new bride set out for new territory in Illinois.

The 1840 U.S. Federal Census lists John Shuler in Kane, Illinois. Could this be John and Anna? Two people within the appropriate age range are enumerated in the household. From my personal searches, other canal workers resided in Kane County before working on the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

The 1850 U.S. Federal Census lists John in Lockport, Illinois. He labored on the I & M Canal, purchased land from the Canal Commission and produced six children between 1840-1852: John 1840-1916, Elizabeth 1842-1915, Charles Henry 1845-1904, Mary Ann 1848-1933, Caroline 1850-1917 and Agnes 1852-1916. What happens next? 

He and his wife attended Christmas church services in 1852. Within the next year or two, John headed west. With the work on the canal completed, did he head west looking for work? Family lore tells of other family members looking for gold. Did this entice John? The 1860 U.S. Federal Census shows a potential male living in Long Barn, Yuba, California. The 1870 U.S. Federal Census lists a male living in Newcastle, Placer, California. In 1872, John wrote a letter to Ann that he was coming home. A long life, I would like to know John and all the family better. Also, I would like some photographs.

For more of my findings on John Schuler/Shuler Roots Digger Family Tree on Ancestry.com. My sources are documented. The tree is open and public.

Census: Online searches

Research Every Census

With the ease of a few keystrokes, most family historians will begin research in the U.S. population schedule censuses. Suggestions for online research:

• If the site offers general and exact matches, always try both methods.
• Begin a general search with minimal information, such as surname, given name and location.
• Narrow the research by editing advanced search with personal information such as dates or family names.
• Print or download the index page and the digitized census. The index page provides the source citation. If the desired family is at the top of the census page, print the previous page. If the desired family is at the bottom of the census page, print the following page.
• Look at the neighbors and a few pages preceding and following. Abstract the census data for families with the same surname. 

Genealogy software programs, such as Roots Magic and Legacy, offer census events and citation source wizards. The family historian may choose to construct a document in a spreadsheet or a table format. Include a source citation for every entry. Elizabeth Shown Mills in her book, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, offers a chapter of guidelines and examples on citing census records.

The citation identifies the source; the abstraction provides information on the family unit. A blank census form will aid in identifying the enumeration questions. If making a spreadsheet or table, the family historian may want to add the questions as headers.
Abstract every person in the household. 

Roots Magic 1940 census abstraction for William Kampe, Frankfort, Will, Illinois

Follow the family backwards – every census offers unique tips:

• About residence and migration patterns
• About occupation
• About household members, the census may include parents or siblings
• 1940 – Residence in 1935 and employment status
• 1930 – Age first marriage, value of home, language spoken in home
• 1920 – Able to read or write, able to speak English
• 1910 – Survivor of Union or Confederate Army or Navy
• 1900 – Month and year of birth, year of immigration, number of years in U.S. and naturalization
• 1890 – Only a few counties are available, see FamilySearch.org wiki
• 1880 – Relationship to the head of household, parents’ birth location
• 1870 – Parents’ foreign born, education, male citizenship
• 1860 – Value of personal property, separate slave schedule
• 1850 – First census with data for everyone in household, separate slave schedule

On the Ancestry website, the researcher has at least five census search options:

• Search all records either exact or not exact
• Census and voters list
• Narrow the record search to a specific census
• Card catalog with “U.S. census” as keywords
• Browse the census by location

The researcher should search by each of the above methods. Due to indexing and tagging parameters on Ancestry, each method will produce different results.

If no matches, remember:

• The search is by index, not actual record. The researcher may browse the census pages by location
• The spellings of names change from census to census
• The location names change as county boundaries change or street names and numbers change
• People move
• People die

Do NOT:

• Exclusively use one website, search Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, Heritage Quest, U.S.genweb.org, cyndislist.com
• Assume anything, always verify census with other original records and family information
• Get discouraged, go slow and take your time
• Give up, keep going
• Exclusively research one type of record such as census, vital, or newspapers

For questions about U.S. census research, contact Selma Blackmon.

Census: Enumeration

1930 U.S. Census. Illinois, Will, Lockport. ED 99-65. Sheet 20A. William Schuler. National Archives. Washington, D. C. Ancestry. com. Accessed 14 April 2013

When genealogists talk about the U.S. Population Schedule Census, words such as enumeration, enumerator, ED, or enumeration district occur. What do these mean and how do they apply to the census? According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the definition of enumerate is “to ascertain the number of: count” and “to specify one after another: list.” This topic will be discussed in two articles. The first includes the enumerator and enumeration questions. The second includes the enumeration district number or ED.

Check the information at the top of each page. From 1790 until 1840, the enumeration date is given; the date the count was made. From 1850 until 1870, the enumerator signs as Ass’t Marshal. From 1880 onward, the enumerator signs as Enumerator.

Enumerator: The person, who progresses from abode to abode, asks the questions and writes the answers on the census page. The questions vary with each census. For detailed instructions, the researcher should become familiar with Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000 available at the U.S. Census Bureau website.

Examples of census enumerations:

• 1790 the name of the head of the household and number of free white males and free white females by age and number of slaves
• 1820 to 1840 the name of the head of the household and number of free white males and free white females by age, number of slaves, and free colored persons
• 1850 and 1860 all free inhabitants by name, relationship not given, a separate mortality schedule, and slave schedule
• 1870 every person by name except Indians not taxed
• 1880 relationship to head of house, Indian schedule
• 1900 month and year of birth, education, home ownership
• 1910 native language of the foreign born, year of immigration
• 1920 age of children under 5 years to be given in years and months, no Indian schedule
• 1930 employment and unemployment
• 1940 every person’s location in 1935

The U.S. Population Schedule Census is divided into Enumeration Districts. 

At the top of each census page from 1880 upward, an enumeration district number is recorded for each district. 

Enumeration District Number or ED: the number assigned to each enumeration area. The area covered by one enumerator. The enumeration begins at the state level. Supervisors are assigned counties. The counties are divided into ED’s. Every state uses the same numbering system, usually alphabetical by counties, then alphabetical by city names. Beginning with the 1930 census, the ED consists of two numbers separated by a hyphen. The prefix corresponds with the county and suffix corresponds with a specific location. Example, Georgia, Appling, Tillman, Militia District 443 has the Enumeration District number 1-1; Georgia, Fulton, Atlanta Borough, First Ward has the Enumeration District number 61-1; Georgia, Wilkes, Washington, Washington City-north part has the Enumeration District number 159-1.

Maps of the Enumeration Districts are available at the National Archives website or Steve Morse One Step website or USGenWeb Census Project.

U.S. Population Census questions or suggestions, contact Selma Blackmon.

Census: Research family relationships, part 4

1868 marriage application. Illinois, Will, Lockport. John Shuler and Lena Baumgarten

This series of articles demonstrates how to research family relationships from the digital U.S. population schedule census records. The further back the researcher traces the family, the more difficult it is to verify information. The 1870, 1860, and 1850 U.S. population schedule censuses are the first to offer individual household member’s names, ages, occupations, and birthplaces. These census years may provide relationship clues only. The relationship to the head of the house is NOT given!

All of the research techniques from part 1 of this series have been used in this last research project. Using the Schuler family as an example, the family historian would print out the index sheets and digital census sheets from 1870 back to 1850. The index search on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org is restricted to the location of Lockport, Illinois and the surname Sch??ler or Sh??ler. In this project, location is more important than exact name spelling.
The 1870 index results:

• John Schoeler, 28, Quarry hand, lives in a boarding house, born Prussia
• Caroline Schoeler, 19, servant, lives with a private family, born Illinois

Enumerated together:

• Ann Schoeler, 47, keeping house, born Switzerland
• Jacob Burly, 55, ship carpenter, born New York
• Charles Schoeler, 22, canal teamster, born Illinois

Enumerated above Ann Schoeler:

• John Schaler [Schoeler], 28, canal captain, born Illinois
• Magdalena Schaler, 27, keeping house, born Oldenburg
• Henrietta Baumgartner, 58, born Oldenburg
• Maria Baumgartner, 19, born Oldenburg
• Julius Baumgartner, 17, born Oldenburg

1860 index results:

• Eliza Shuler, 17, servant, lives with a private family, born Illinois

Enumerated together:

• Ann Shuler, 41, keeping house, born Switzerland
• John Shuler, 18, born Illinois
• Elizabeth Shuler, 16, born Illinois
• Charles Shuler, 14, born Illinois
• Mary Shuler, 12, born Illinois
• Caroline Shuler, 10, born Illinois
• Agnes Shuler, 7, born Illinois
• Stephen Shuler, 1, born Illinois

1850 index results:
Enumerated together:

• John Shuler, 35, laborer, born Germany
• Eufen Shuler, 31, born Germany
• John Shuler, 8, born Illinois
• Eliza Shuler, 7, born Illinois
• Charles Shuler, 4, born Illinois
• Mary A. Shuler, 2, born Illinois

The project will include comparing the Schuler name and all variations in Lockport, Illinois between the years of 1870 back to 1850 at the same time while looking for any similarities such as birth year, place, or occupation.
According to the census records of 1880, 1900, and 1910, John was born between 1839 and 1842. Starting with the 1870 records, separate John Schoeler the quarry worker born in Prussia from John Shaler the canal captain born in Illinois. The 1880, 1900, and 1910 census records list his occupation as teamster born in Illinois; not an exact match. The marriage license between John Shuler and Lena Baumgartner dated 1868 provides the link for John Shaler and Magdalena Shaler in 1870.
In 1860 and 1850, one abode carries the name Shuler. Four given names are carried from 1850 to 1860. Remember, the census records do NOT offer relationships, only clues. According to family research of other documents such as marriage license, baptismal records, newspaper clippings, and land records, the Schuler family in Lockport, Illinois is:

• John Schuler, born about 1815, native language German
• Anna, wife, born about 1819, native language German
• John, son, born about 1840 in Illinois
• Elizabeth, daughter, born about 1842 in Illinois
• Charles Henry, son, born about 1845 in Illinois
• Mary Ann, daughter, born about 1848 in Illinois
• Caroline, daughter, born about 1850 in Illinois
• Agnes, daughter, born about 1852 in Illinois

Without marriage certificates, written family documents, and oral tradition, the family relationships would NOT have been identified from the 1870, 1860, or 1850 census.
Other questions:

• Who in 1870 is John Schoeler, quarry worker?
• Is Caroline in 1860 and 1870 the same person?
• Who is the Eliza in 1860?
• Who is Stephen in 1860?

Census records offer hints or clues not absolute facts.
For comments and questions, please contact Selma Blackmon.

Census: Research family relationships, part 3

This series of articles demonstrates how to research family relationships from digital census records. The further back the researcher traces the family, the more difficult it is to verify information. The records for several census years may be necessary to answer basic family questions. Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org offer census indexes.

Research technique: work backwards. The 1910 U.S. population schedule census rephrased the question from age at first marriage to number of years married. Married women were asked the number of children born and how many now living. For the 1900 census, the enumerators asked the birth month and year of each family member as well as the number of children born and living. The 1880 census is the first time the enumerator inquires into the relationship to the head of the house.

Research technique: use collaborating documents. Continuing with the Schuler ancestors, William and Nettie have not been found in the 1910 census. Family documents verify their marriage in Dec 1908. Family legends include his occupation as a boat captain with placement on the Illinois and Michigan Canal in Illinois.

1910 U.S. Census. Illinois, Will, Lockport. John Schuler family

Research technique: Do not read into the record what is not there. In 1910, the only Schuler in Lockport, Illinois is John Schuler. Is there a relationship? The 1900 U.S. population schedule census does enumerate William J. as the son of John Schuler. William’s occupation is boatman. This links William J. to his father, John.

1900 U.S. Census. Illiinois, Will, Lockport, John Schuler family

In the 1880 census, the enumerator inquires as to the relationship of each member to the head of the house. Research technique: connect to the right family. Two families are enumerated; one family is Anna Shuler; the other family is John Schuler. This census identifies John Schuler’s children. Research technique: abstract the information thoroughly and correctly. The abstracted information will reveal family name changes, births or deaths in the family. 

1880 U.S, Census. Illinois, Will, Lockport. John Schuler family

Research technique: do not read into the record what is not there. Wait for future research to connect the families of Anna and John.

Example, the second generation of the Schuler family is John and Lena Schuler, the author’s maternal great-grandparents. The 1910, 1900, and 1880 U.S. population censuses provide family information as follows:

• John Schuler is the head of the family.
• Laney, Lena, or Linna M. is his wife.
• The birth order and names of his five children are:
• William, William J., or Willie born Aug 1871
• Clara born about 1873
• Edward born Sept 1876
• Harriett M. or Juliana born Feb 1878
• Nellie born Sept 1891

Note the daughter’s name difference between Juliana in 1880 and Harriett in 1900. The birth dates indicate this is the same person. The daughter’s mother speaks German. Could a misunderstanding of the question account for the name difference?

Future research:

• As Clara was not enumerated on the 1900 census, look for death information between 1880 and 1900.
• As Harriet M. was not enumerated on the 1910 census, look for death information between 1900 and 1910.
• Anna Schuler is a widow in 1880. Who was her husband?

1880 U.S. Census. Illinois, Will, Lockport. Ann Shuler family

Census records offer hints or clues not absolute facts.

For comments and questions, please contact Selma Blackmon.

Census: Research family relationships, part 2

1930 U.S. Census. Illinois, Will, Lockport. ED 99-65. Sheet 20A. William Schuler.  National Archives. Washington, D. C. Ancestry.com. Accessed 15 April 2013

Is it possible to build a family from digital census records? Sometimes digital images are the only clue to family members. This series of articles demonstrates how to use the clues to trace ancestors. Mildred Kampe and her ancestors will be traced back to 1850 using the techniques listed in Genealogy: How to research family relationships from census records, part 1.

Research technique: work backwards. In the 1940 U.S. population schedule census, Mildred, age 20, is enumerated as the daughter-in-law to William Kampe. According to the census, her residence in 1935 was Lockport, Illinois.

View slideshow: How to research the U.S. censuses online

Without the marriage license, the researcher would search the 1930 U.S. population schedule census on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org using the following qualifiers:

• First name only, Mildred
• Gender, female
• Race or nationality, white
• Birth location, Illinois
• Birth date, about 1920 plus or minus two years
• Lived in, Lockport, Will, Illinois

The index search results on both websites reveal nine matches. The surnames are Acond, Gregorich, Krickovich, Lee, Ludwig, Ording, Riggs, Schuler, and Skalac. Comparing censuses, ages may very about three years.

Research technique: connect to the right family. With the nine matches, each surname would need to be researched and eliminated.

Research technique: use collaborating documentation. This researcher has the marriage license for Henry J. Kampe and Mildred L. Schuler. Schuler is Mildred’s maiden name.
In 1930, the enumerator recorded data regarding the relationship of each person in the family unit to the head of the family, the married couple’s age of first marriage, and their place of abode.

Research technique: abstract the information thoroughly and correctly. The census citation would read as follows: 1930 U.S. Census, Will County, Illinois, population schedule, Lockport City, Lockport Township, enumeration district (ED) 99-65, sheet 20A, household 490, William Schuler; digital images, Ancestry.com (complete URL; downloaded 5 April 2012); National Archives, Washington, D.C
With the 1930 clues, the family was easily located in the 1920 U.S. population schedule census. The Schuler family was smaller; they lived on the same block in Lockport, Illinois. The census citation would read as follows: 1920 U.S. Census, Will County, Illinois, population schedule, Lockport City, Lockport Township, enumeration district (ED) 193, sheet 3A, household 63, William Schuler; digital images, Ancestry.com (complete URL; downloaded 5 April 2012); National Archives, Washington, D.C
Example, the first generation of the Schuler family is William and Nettie Schuler, the author’s maternal grandparents. The 1930 and 1920 U.S. population census enumerated the family as follows:

• William Schuler is the head of the family, married at age 37.
• Nettie is his wife, married at age 26.
• Eleanor is his daughter.
• Lloyd is his son.
• Mildred, author’s mother, is his daughter.
• Dorothy is his daughter.

Additional abstracted information:

• Family members’ occupations
• Family members’ birth place
• Family residence

Further research, beyond census records:

• Marriage license
• Birth certificates
• City directories

Census records offer hints or clues not absolute facts.
For comments and questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, thank you.

Census: Research family relationships, part 1

1940 U.S. Census. Illinois, Will, Frankfort. ED 99-11. Sheet 5B. William Kampe. National Archives. Washington, D. C. Ancestry,.com. accessed 15 April 2013

Digital census records offer a treasure of family clues. Is it possible to build a family from only digital census records? Sometimes this is the single clue to family members. This series of articles will attempt to demonstrate how to research family relationships from digital census records. In this series, the example demonstrates the techniques. Read for ideas not names or locations. FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com offer census indexes.

Research techniques:

• Start from the most recent census available and work backwards
• Build from the known to the unknown
• Abstract the information thoroughly and correctly
• Do not read into the record what is not there
• Connect to the right family
• Use collaborating documentation

The example for this article is a scanned image of the 1940 census; see photo. The genealogical citation would read as follows: 1940 U.S. Census, Will County, Illinois, population schedule, Frankfort Village, Frankfort Township, enumeration district (ED) 99-11, sheet 5B, household 181, William Kampe; digital images, Ancestry.com (complete URL; downloaded 5 April 2012); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
In 1940, the enumerator recorded the following data “Relationship of this person to the head of the household...” on each person in the family unit.
The census image answers the question of the relationship of each person to William Kampe:

• Wilma is his daughter.
• Henry is his son.
• Mildred is his daughter-in-law.
• Selma is his granddaughter.

The census does NOT answer the questions:

• Who is Henry’s wife?
• Who is Mildred’s husband?
• Who are Selma’s parents?

Further research, beyond census records, is needed:

• Marriage license
• Birth certificate
• Newspapers
• Family members

Beyond the census results:

• Henry J. Kampe and Mildred L. Schuler were married on Nov 19, 1938. The genealogical citation would read as follows: Illinois. Will County. Marriage Certificates. Marriage license no. 52414. County Clerk’s Office, Joliet, Illinois.
• Selma’s birth certificate verifies that Henry John Kampe and Mildred Louise Schuler are her parents. The genealogical citation would read as follows: Illinois. Will County. Certificate of Birth. [Information privately held].

Census records offer hints or clues not absolute facts.
For comments and questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, thank you.

Census: Identifying generations

How does the family historian find a woman’s maiden name and family? What is the importance of researching every census? “I found them in one census why bother to find each family in every census?” This article will answer these questions posed by many new researchers. Using the census with minimal outside help, the ancestors of Emma Dralle (1902-1977) wife of Otto Henry Dralle (1894-1979) have been documented. As with any research, the genealogist will continue to search for original text documents and documents closer to event dates.
The World War II Draft Registration Card, 1942, accessed on Ancestry.com for Otto Henry Dralle of Crete, Will County, Illinois, names Mrs. Emma Dralle of Crete as his contact person. What is their relationship? What is her maiden name? Who are her parents?

The 1930 U.S. federal population schedule census lists Otto H. Dralle as the son-in-law of William Winzenburg (1873-1938). From the census information, the family historian can make the following assumptions:

• Emma’s maiden name is Winzenburg
• Emma is the wife of Otto Henry Dralle
• Sophie is the mother of Emma
• Adelia is the sister of Emma
• Henry is the brother of William and the uncle of Emma

The 1920 U.S. federal population schedule census lists the William Winzenburg (1873-1938) family as follows:

• Sophie, wife
• Emma, daughter
• Adelia, daughter 

A second 1920 U.S. federal population schedule census in Crete Township, Will County, Illinois reads as follows:

• Winzenburg, William (1846-1929), head of house
• Winzenburg, Henry, son

The 1910 U.S. federal population schedule census lists Emma with her parents:

• Winzenburg, William (1873-1938), head of house
• Sohie, wife, mother of three children with two living
• Emma J., daughter
• Adella M.L., daughter 

The second 1910 U.S. federal population schedule census in Crete Township, Will County, Illinois reads as follows:

• Winzenburg, William (1846-1929), head of house
• Sophia, wife
• Ella, daughter
• Henry, son 

From these census records, the family historian may also surmise:

• William (1873-1938) and Henry are brothers their father is William (1846-1929)
• Their mother is Sophia
• William (1846-1929) and Sophia are the paternal grandparents of Emma

Further research:

• Otto Dralle and Emma in the 1940 U.S. federal census
• William Winzenburg in 1900 and 1880

Questions or comments, please contact Selma Blackmon. Thank you!

Sources for U.S. Census images

1940 U.S. census. Illinois, Will County, Frankfort. ED 99-11. Sheet 5B. William Kampe. National Archives. Washington, D. C. Ancestry.com. accessed 15 April 2013.

For family information, the census images offer great clues. Depending on the census year, the information may include everything from occupation to birth location to parent’s nativity. The U.S. Census Population Schedule, 1790-1940, pages have been microfilmed. The 1940 census is available only digitally. ALWAYS cite your source. Genealogists reference the Chicago Manual Style, with Evidence Explained specific to genealogy. A citation example for a census: 1850 U.S. census, Lockport Township Will County, Illinois, population schedule, town of Lockport. Micropublication M432, roll 133. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.

Complete census microfilm sets through 1930 are available at the National Archives and the regional branches. Our metro Atlanta branch is the National Archives at Atlanta, 5780 Jonesboro Rd, Morrow, GA 30260, Phone: 770-968-2100. Partial census microfilm sets through 1930 may be available in state archives, area historical and genealogical society repositories.

Complete or partial digitized census pages are available online. In the earlier years, several sources were used for the digitization such as state or federal copies. Please check more than one site as the clarity and indexing may be different. Online sites for digitized census records include:

• Ancestry.com
• Heritage Quest.com (library subscription)
• Family search.org
• Fold3.com

Additional census suggestions:

• Print both the index page and the census page. 
• Most database programs offer a download option which can be enhanced and enlarged on your personal pc or mac.
• Search the census by name, year, and location. Each method may offer different results.
• Remember, all of the online sites are constantly updating records, so check back frequently.
• Different web browsers may display and print the database information differently.
• A few census resources are Birth Year Calculator and Cyndi’s List
• Volunteer to index, contact Family Search.org.

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