Censuses are a valuable tool for genealogists and family historians looking to trace their family lineage and history. A census is a count of the population of a particular area or region taken at a specific point in time. Censuses are conducted regularly by governments around the world, and they collect a wide range of information about the individuals and families living in that area. The data collected in censuses can include names, ages, occupations, relationships, birthplaces, and more, providing a wealth of information that can be used to piece together family histories and genealogies. In this digital age, many censuses are now available online, making it easier than ever before to access this valuable resource and delve into your family’s past.
What is a census?
A census is an official count or survey of a population, usually carried out by a government or other authorized organization. It typically involves collecting demographic information about individuals and households, such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, education, occupation, and housing. Censuses are conducted periodically, usually every 10 years, and are used to provide data for planning and policy-making purposes, as well as for research and genealogy. Census data can also be used to allocate political representation and funding, and to measure changes in population over time.
Censuses are an excellent resource for genealogy research. They can provide a wealth of information about your ancestors, including their names, ages, occupations, birthplaces, and marital status. Censuses can also help you track your ancestors over time, seeing where they lived and who they lived with. This can help you build a more complete picture of your family history and potentially uncover new ancestors or connections. Additionally, censuses can provide contextual information about the time and place your ancestors lived in, including population trends, economic conditions, and more. Overall, censuses are an essential tool for anyone interested in exploring their family history.
You can download blank census forms for the United States from the National Archives website. They have PDF versions of the census forms for 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 available for download. Here is the link to the page where you can find and download the census forms: https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/census/forms
In Canada, you can download blank census forms from the Library and Archives Canada website. They have PDF versions of the census forms for 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, and 1921 available for download. Here is the link to the page where you can find and download the census forms: https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/Pages/census-forms.aspx
Also, in England, you can download blank census forms from the National Archives website. They have PDF versions of the census forms for 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, and 1911 available for download. Here is the link to the page where you can find and download the census forms: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/census-records/#6-blank-census-forms
For Australia, the website for the National Archives of Australia is www.naa.gov.au. They have blank census forms available for download on their website.
What you need to know about using censuses in your research?
If you are planning to use censuses for genealogical research, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Understand the columns: Each census will have different columns, and it is important to understand what information is recorded in each column. This will help you interpret the data correctly and avoid misinterpreting or overlooking valuable information.
- Keep track of dates: The census is conducted every 10 years in most countries, so it is important to keep track of the dates when each census was conducted. This will help you know which census to look at for a particular time period.
- Look at the original document: It is always a good idea to look at the original document rather than relying on transcriptions or indexes. This will help you spot errors, understand the context better, and sometimes find additional information that was not recorded in the index.
- Verify the information: Always try to verify the information you find in censuses with other sources, such as birth, marriage, and death records, to ensure accuracy.
- Be aware of privacy laws: In some countries, census records are restricted by privacy laws and may not be available for a certain number of years. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions before you begin your research.
- Understand handwriting: Censuses are often handwritten, and the handwriting can be difficult to read. It is important to take the time to learn how to read old handwriting to avoid misinterpreting information.
- Use a variety of sources: While censuses are a valuable source of information, they should be used in conjunction with other sources, such as vital records, wills, probate records, and other documents, to build a complete picture of your ancestors’ lives.
What information was collected on censuses?
The information collected on the census varied by year and country. Below is some information that was collected on some censuses from the US, Canada, England and Australia.
1850 US Census
This census from 1850 collected more detailed information compared to earlier censuses. It included the following columns:
1. Dwelling-houses numbered in the order of visitation
2. Families numbered in the order of visitation
3. The name of every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June, 1850, was in this family
4. Age
5. Sex
6. Color (white, black, or mulatto)
7. Profession, occupation, or trade of each person, male and female, over 15 years of age
8. Value of real estate owned by the household
9. Place of birth, naming the state, territory, or country of birth
10. Married within the year
11. Attended school within the year
12. Persons over 20 years of age who cannot read or write
13. Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper, or convict
Note that the 1850 census was the first to record the name of every person in the household, not just the head of the household. The inclusion of the person’s occupation, birthplace, and other details makes the 1850 census a valuable resource for genealogy research and for understanding social and economic trends in mid-19th century America.
1851 Canada Census
This census collected a variety of information about the population of Canada at the time. The columns on the census form varied somewhat depending on the province or region being surveyed, but generally included the following:
1. Name of each person in the household
2. Age and sex of each person
3. Marital status of each person (e.g. single, married, widowed)
4. Occupation of each person
5. Place of birth of each person (including province or country)
6. Religion of each person
7. Whether each person was able to read and write
8. Whether each person was blind, deaf, or dumb
9. Whether each person was a member of a militia or volunteer corps
10. Whether each person was a landed proprietor, farmer, or other occupation
11. Whether each person was a member of an Indian tribe or band (in some areas)
12. Whether each person was a slave or free (in some areas)
These columns were typically arranged in rows, with one row for each household. The census also often included additional columns for recording information about the dwelling itself, such as the number of rooms or the type of construction materials used.
1851 England Census
The 1851 England Census collected more detailed information than the previous census. It included the following columns:
1. Place (name of the street, square, or place)
2. Name of each person that had spent the night in the household
3. Relationship to head of household (e.g. son, daughter, wife, lodger, servant)
4. Marital status (M for married, U for unmarried)
5. Age (recorded as an exact age)
6. Occupation (with more specific categories than the previous census)
7. Whether born in the same county (Y or N)
8. Whether born in Scotland, Ireland, or foreign parts (i.e. outside the UK)
9. Disability (if any) including blindness, deafness, lunacy, imbecility, or idiocy
Note that the 1851 census did not record the actual day of the census, but rather the night of the census taker’s visit. The 1851 census provides more detailed information than its predecessor and is a valuable resource for researchers and historians studying the social and economic conditions of mid-nineteenth century England.
1861 New South Wales (Australia)
This census was detailed and included the following columns on the form:
- Name
- Age
- Sex
- Marital status
- Free or bond (i.e. whether the individual was a free person or a convict)
- Ship arrived in
- Year arrived in the colony
- Religion
- Occupation
- Place of birth
- Whether born in the colony, in another colony, or overseas
- If born overseas, the country of birth
- Residence
- Whether living in a house, tent, or other type of dwelling
- Whether the dwelling was built of wood, brick, or other materials
- Whether the dwelling was rented or owned
- Value of the property, if owned
- Whether the dwelling was inhabited by more than one family
- Number of rooms occupied by the family
- Number of children attending school
- Whether the individual was able to read and write
- Whether the individual was blind, deaf, or dumb
- Whether the individual was insane or idiotic
- Whether the individual was an Aboriginal or half-caste
- Whether the individual was a Chinese or a Malay
- Whether the individual was a member of a religious order
- Remarks (this column was used to note any additional information deemed important)
Why are censuses important for genealogists?
Country censuses are important for genealogists for several reasons:
- They provide a snapshot of a particular place at a particular time: Census records can provide information on population, family structure, occupation, education, religion, and more. This information can help genealogists understand their ancestors’ lives and the communities they lived in.
- They can fill in gaps in other records: Census records can help fill in gaps left by other records, such as birth, marriage, and death records. For example, if a birth or death record is missing, census records can provide an approximate year of birth or death.
- They can help with brick wall research: Census records can help break down brick walls in genealogical research by providing clues to ancestors’ locations, occupations, and family relationships.
- They can help track migration patterns: Census records can help trace migration patterns of families and individuals, as they often include information on birthplace, nationality, and residency.
Overall, census records are an important resource for genealogists looking to learn more about their ancestors and the communities they lived in.
Can I download blank censuses to include in my research?
Yes, you can usually download blank census forms for various countries from the relevant national archives or genealogy websites. These forms can be useful for organizing your research and taking notes as you examine census records. They can also be used to practice filling out a census form if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Where can I download blank census forms?
Census forms can be downloaded from various websites.
National Archives of the United States is www.archives.gov.
For Canada, the website for Library and Archives Canada is www.bac-lac.gc.ca.
For England, the website for the National Archives of the UK is www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.
For Australia, the website for the National Archives of Australia is www.naa.gov.au.
I will provide links below from Ancestry to get you started.
Census Forms for the U.S., UK, and Canada
With blank census extraction forms, you can see the format and the column counts for different census years. This is useful when tables are hard to read. Blank census forms also provide a way to retrieve and categorize information you find.
U.S. Census Forms
- 1940 United States Census
- 1930 United States Census
- 1920 United States Census
- 1910 United States Census
- 1900 United States Census
- 1890 United States Census
- 1880 United States Census
- 1870 United States Census
- 1860 United States Census
- 1850 United States Census
- 1840 United States Census
- 1830 United States Census
- 1820 United States Census
- 1810 United States Census
- 1800 United States Census
- 1790 United States Census
- 1890 United States Veterans Schedule
- 1860 United States Slave Schedule
- 1850 United States Slave Schedule
UK Census Forms
- Census of England and Wales, 1911
- Census of England and Wales, 1901
- Census of England and Wales, 1891
- Census of England and Wales, 1881
- Census of England and Wales, 1871
- Census of England and Wales, 1861
- Census of England and Wales, 1851
- Census of England and Wales, 1841
Canadian Census Forms
- 1911 Canadian Census Form
- 1911 Canadian Census Form (English)
- 1911 Canadian Census Form (French)
- 1901 Canadian Census Form (English)
- 1901 Canadian Census Form (French)
- 1906 Canadian Census Form (English and French)
- 1851 Canadian Census Form
- 1851 Canadian Census Form—New Brunswick
- 1851 Canadian Census Form—Nova Scotia
In conclusion, censuses are an invaluable resource for genealogical research, offering a wealth of information about our ancestors and their lives. While each census may differ in the information it provides and the format of the records, all can be used to uncover important details about our family history. However, it is important to remember that census records are just one piece of the puzzle, and should be used in conjunction with other records to build a more complete picture of our ancestors’ lives. With the availability of census records online and the ability to access blank census forms, genealogists now have unprecedented access to this rich source of information.
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