Census Records ancestry/library/view/ancmag/2046.asp

1. Webster’s dictionary states that a census is “a periodic governmental enumeration of a population.” Census Recordshttp://ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/2046.asp First census was taken 1790 then every 10 years since.

2. Census records value • Were created for different purposes. The 1880 was needed to see how many people would be on Social Security • The government never intended the Census records to be used for genealogy • They are a boon to genealogists. They contain many pieces of data that can help you to locate your ancestors • Few other records give us better leads to find our ancestors

3. Availability of censuses • Genealogical library • Most public libraries • Ancestry.com (pay site) see actual census records • Heritage Quest see actual census records, (Free with public library card) http://www.slco.lib.ut.us/database_heritage.htm • Family Tree Maker (pay site) buy CD’s • Buy CD sets of census schedules • 1930 census is the most recent one available

4. What is on a Census • From 1790 to 1840 there were very few questions, limiting the value of the records • Since 1850 the number and scope of the questions changed • Names, ages, gender, occupation, head of house hold, place of abode, education, nationality, native tongue, citizenship • 1920 census had 29 questions asked of each household • Each census has different information, be familiar with each and what it has to offer

5. Privacy laws prohibit, public view for 72 years after the census is taken. • Samples of a few census schedules can be found at www.familysearch.org , search tab, research helps, sort by document type, find the year of census you want

6. Soundex Codes • Soundex is the most important piece of the puzzle. Surnames reduced to 4 character code • Cyndislist.com and use the soundex converter. Then you do not need to know the rules • Use the PAF program: tools, Soundex Code • Rules: • Keep the first letter, but remove all remaining vowels and the letters H, W, and Y. Example: Willard would be WLLRD • Keep the first letter but remove one consonant from any double. Example: WLRD

7. Use the coding guide for the last 3 letters B, F, P, V = 1 C, G, J, K, Q, S, X, Z = 2 D,T = 3 L = 4 M, N = 5 R = 6 • Remember all vowels and the letters H, W, and Y are not considered at all Willard would now be W463 in the soundex system Take the name Jones and create a soundex number JNS = J520

8. Sample of Cyndi’s list converter http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/3916/soundex.html Surname to Soundex Converter Converts English alphabet only Soundex was used by the National Archives to index the U.S. censuses. It codes together surnames that sound similar but have different spellings.

9. Preparations before using a census • Write down as many facts as you know about the family • Spell family name as it appears. Think of as many name variations as you can. Convert to Soundex • Use a census template, these can be found at familysearch.org (instructions on slide 5), Ancestry.com (my trees, go to bottom right of screen), genealogy.com (http://genealogy.com/genealogy/00000061.html) • Ancestry Census forms http://www.ancestry.com/trees/charts/census.aspx • Call the library ahead of time to find out what they have available • Know the state and county that you are searching. Keep in mind that you may need to check neighboring counties

10. Keep in mind the following tips: • Verify information • Make a hard copy (hand copy, scan, use a digital camera or zerox, etc) • Document in your research log • Follow up on any clues you learn from the census

11. Final note: Census research can be the most rewarding but it can be the most boring and frustrating. Be prepared for both. “Don’t worry about learning how to do it. If you’ll just do it, you’ll learn how!” Richard G. Scott