Learning to read and use U.S. Federal Census Records is probably the most critical skill almost a genealogists can learn for research the past 230 years. Each census attempts to identify every person tied to a family and a residence. While each census is a little different, and each varies in some detail, the information available in each makes the census the most important resource for anyone born in the last 250 years. Learning to use the censuses is like learning any other resource, there are some basic skill and knowledge from which to build on. Genealogy at a Glance: U.S. Federal Census Records seeks to provide this critical background and skill set to all genealogists.
This guide covers key census basics. Readers will learn the background behind the census, what changes were made in different time periods, and how to access census data. The author, Kory L. Meyerink, offers insight into the difference between Heads of Household Censuses (1790-1840) and Every-name Censuses (1850-1940). Meyerink also covers Soundex searching and problems one may encounter with indexes. Tips are given for getting around search problems. There is an entire column on the back page dedicated to Census Search Strategies and Online Search Considerations. Additional references and some online resources help round out the guide.
Like all the Genealogy At A Glance sheets, this guide is a four-page, full-color limited brochure meant to be easily stored and sized to take with you when conducting related research. And, like each At A Glance, the top of the first page provides Contents and Quick Facts. Some of facts for this guide include:
- The Federal census began in 1790
- Records are available after 72 years (hence the recent hoopla about the 1940 census)
- 1890 Census burned in a fire
- Substitute records are available for many of the missing census records
Some of these items may be common knowledge to some researchers while new and exciting to others. Regardless of your experience level, the easy to carry guide makes a great quick reference companion for any researcher.
Contents for this guide:
Quick Facts & Important Dates
The Basics
- Time Period
- Content
- Coverage
- Access and Availability
Heads of Household Censuses (1790-1840)
Census Indexes
- Soundex: Phonetic Searching
- When Indexes Don’t Work
Census Search Strategies
- Online Search Considerations
For Further References
Major Online Resources
Additional tips provide the reader with added.
Order Genealogy at a Glance: U.S. Federal Census Records from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: GPC3874, Price: $8.77.
Other Genealogy at a Glance guides:
- Genealogy at a Glance: Italian Genealogy Research
- Genealogy at a Glance: Ellis Island Research
- Genealogy at a Glance: Immigration Research
- Genealogy at a Glance: African American Genealogy Research
- Genealogy at a Glance: American Cemetery Research
- Genealogy at a Glance: Immigration Research at a Glance
- Genealogy at a Glance: French-Canadian Research: At a Glance