Federal Census Records

Census records are not available to the public until 70 years after the enumeration. That means the most recent census schedule you can access is 1920. Only the first U.S. census (1790) is type written which makes it easier to read from otherwise poor reproductions on the microfilm reels. Each subsequent decade's schedule provides increasing scope of information.

The obvious strategy for locating your ancestors on census records is to look for them in the state and city and on the street that you know they lived. Of course, if you knew all that information you might want to quit while you are ahead. Really, most people don't know exactly where the family lived and that is why the government indexed many of the census schedules. The task of indexing census rolls was enormous -- in fact it was a Works Progress Administration project -- so appreciate the contribution of this government initiative.

The Soundex

The Soundex is a coded surname index based on the way the surname sounds rather than the way it is spelled. Since the spelling of last names changed frequently over the generations, this enhances access to the records. To search for a particular surname, you must first work out its code. Every Soundex code consists of a letter and three numbers. The soundex card provides the exact location of that family on the census schedule.

A good strategy is to begin your search with the most recent census available (1920). Both 1900 and 1920 are fully indexed (really, soundexed), but the 1910 census is indexed for only 20 states. Pre-1900 records are less comprehensive, but indispensable in documenting your family's history for another century.

The Evolution of Federal Census Records:

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Microfilm copies of census records have been purchased by and are available at many large libraries and genealogical societies. In addition, you can visit the National Archives in Washington, DC or write to the following address and request form NATF-82: Reference Services Branch (NNIR), National Archives and Record Service, 8th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20408

Created by James St. John. Last Updated April 1, 1996
Comments to: JSSN@DBV.CC.ROCHESTER.EDU