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US Census Information

The U.S. census was authorized by the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. United States Census Records were completed for the following years: 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940. U.S. Census records offer an abundance of details including: birthplace, age, occupation, military service information, immigration date, and names of family members.


What non-population census schedules are useful for genealogy?

In addition to the standard population schedules, several non-population census schedules offer unique insights for genealogists, providing a more comprehensive understanding of ancestors' lives and the communities they inhabited.

Here are the key non-population schedules and their genealogical applications:

  1. Mortality schedules (1850-1880, and 1885 in some states): These schedules document individuals who died in the 12 months preceding the census. For genealogists, these are particularly useful because they often predate the widespread recording of civil death records and can provide crucial information where other death records are unavailable.
  2. Agricultural schedules (1850-1880): These schedules focus on farming operations, providing a window into the agricultural lives of ancestors.
  3. Manufacturing schedules (1820, 1850-1880): These schedules documented businesses involved in manufacturing, mining, fishing, and trade with an annual gross product of $500 or more.
  4. Social statistics schedules (1850-1870): While not focused on individuals, these schedules offer a glimpse into the social and institutional fabric of communities where ancestors lived.
  5. Slave schedules (1850 & 1860): These schedules enumerated enslaved individuals, typically listing them under the slaveholder's name.

    6. Important Notes:

    • Non-population schedules do not always name individuals, particularly in the agricultural, manufacturing, and social statistics records.
    • Availability and the level of detail can vary by year and state.
    • It is crucial to remember the historical context and potential limitations of the language used in these documents, especially those relating to social issues like slavery or mental health.
    • These records often necessitate cross-referencing with other sources like population schedules, deeds, probate records, and local histories for a complete picture.

    By exploring these non-population schedules in conjunction with the standard population census records, genealogists can unlock a deeper understanding of their ancestors' lives, their occupations, the communities they inhabited, and the broader historical context that shaped their experiences.

    Note: Individual census records are typically sealed for 72 years to protect privacy. The 1950 census records, for example, were released in 2022. Most of the 1890 census was destroyed by fire, making it challenging to research for that decade.


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