Family History Class

1. Family History Class Lesson 10 Spokane 22nd Ward “Census Records”

2. Lesson Objectives • Learn the value of the census • Learn about the different U.S. censuses • Learn how to use the Soundex

3. Value of the Census • Census records are some of the most basic and valuable research tools for doing family history. • If used early in your research it will provide a framework of the family structure of your ancestors and their location at one point in time • It also provides you with leads to other records

4. The Purpose of the Census • Provide an official count of the population in order to determine the number of representatives to the U.S. Congress for each state. • It is taken every 10 years • The first one for the U.S. was taken 1790 • The goal is to count the population for the entire county on one specific day • The persons who took the census were called enumerators and traveled from door to door within an assigned area. • The quality of the censuses reflects the varying levels of ability and handwriting of the individual enumerator

5. Census Summary 1790-1920 • Census records provide varying amounts of information • The federal government decided what information would be requested in each census based on what information it needed for future planning. • Generally, the more recent the census, the more information it contains

6. Census Summary

9. Microfilmed Censuses • Microfilms of complete censuses 1790 through 1920 are available in the Family History Library and through more than 3,400 Family History Centers • They are also available through the National Archives. • Many state libraries will have complete sets for their state. Other libraries will have partial sets.

10. Census Indexes • Censuses from 1790 through 1870 have indexes. • Censuses from 1880 through 1920 have a special index called a Soundex (which is explained later). • The indexes and Soundex are created using the name of the head of household, usually the father. • If the father is deceased, then the widow is listed as the head of household

11. Census Index Online • Most census indexes are in book form • A few are on CD-ROM. • Some partial indexes are online: • www.genealogy.com and www.cyndislist.com contain possible links to online census indexes. • Also check www.census-online.com/links/index.html and www.usgenweb.org for information about transcribed census records

12. Census Indexes • Once you find your ancestor in an index, carefully write down the state, county, township, district or ward, enumeration district, house number, and page number. • If possible, photocopy all the pages of the index with your surname listings. • Remember, new census indexes are constantly being added.

13. Other Census Facts • Some states took censuses. • Censuses were also taken in other countries • Starting in the 19th century, most governments began to conduct a regular census or an official enumeration of the population. • Censuses are available for Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

14. Using the Soundex • The Soundex is an index for the 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910 and 1920 censuses created by assigning a number to a phonetic sound of one or more consonants to the surname. • In other words, surnames that sound similar were grouped together by the same Soundex code. This accounts for all misspellings or purposely-changed spellings of the same surnames

15. Soundex Code #1 B, P, F, V #2 C, S, K, G, J, Q, X, Z #3 D, T #4 L #5 M, N #6 R Delete A, E, I, O, U, W, Y, H

16. Determining A Soundex Code

17. Soundex Information • The Soundex code for each surname consists of a letter and three numbers. • The Soundex code for GAUNT is G530, PARKER is P626, JACKSON is J250, etc. • Most libraries have a Soundex code book • Some family history software has a Soundex calculator • Internet Soundex calculators: • www.nara.gov/genealogy/soundex/soundex.html • www.rootsweb.com

18. Soundex on Microfilm • Once you have determined the Soundex code for the ancestral surname, you can go to a microfilm to view the actual Soundex cards. • Each name in the census has been given a Soundex code and partially extracted onto a small card. These cards were arranged first by state, second by Soundex code, third by given name. • Because they were arranged by state and not by county, you can search for your surname by state. • Once you find your surname, you will know the residence of everyone by that surname in that state. • If you don’t know which state your ancestor lived in, it is easy to check state by state until you find them

19. Locating Names by Soundex • Once you locate your family on a Soundex card, write down the exact information listed in the upper right hand corner. • The enumeration district number, page number, sheet number, and line number will assure you that you can find the exact location of your ancestor. • Then you can go to the microfilmed copy of the actual census for a full description of the family

20. Assignments • Check www.firstct.com/fv/uscensus.html for a summary of the contents of each United States census and suggestions on how to use them. • Locate your grandparents in the 1920 census. • If you have an ancestor listed in the 1910 census who was a Civil War veteran, check for pension records. • Figure out the Soundex code for your own surname.