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Census Records
Benefits to Using Census Data
There are numerous benefits to using Census data while conducing family history research, regardless if the census was conducted by a local, state, or federal authority. In fact, if you're lucky enough to be researching an ancestor from a geographic area that was included in more than one periodic census, you may feel as though you've hit the genealogical jackpot!
Following are among the key benefits of researching the Census:
• Establishes a date and place for a particular person and/or family group
• May show or prove relationship between one or more individuals
• May include information to establish age and/or place of birth
• Generally provides a more detailed picture of a family group (especially siblings)
• Looking at the list of neighbors can yield unexpected finds
• Can often obtain clues pertaining to immigration and/or naturalization status
• May provide data for occupation, military service or other category
Tips for a Successful Search (Online or Offline)
Once you have indentifed a person you are trying to locate in the census, you should have as much information as you already know to help ensure an easy search. This is especially true for common names! If you're searching for a 'John Murphy' in the 1900 U.S. Census for New York City, you'd better know his occupation and approximate age if you want to narrow down the possible matches to your search.
Consider the following steps:
1. Determine which census years apply given ancestors birth/death dates
2. Start with the most recent census available and work backwards
3. Where possible, have detailed geographic information (City, County, ST)
4. Consider possible variant spellings or misspellings (see soundex)
5. Determine approximate age and others living in the same household
If you would like more detailed information about how to use census records, we recommend visiting 1930census.com which is focused on all aspects of census records and census research.
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