The 1850 Federal Census had a weath of new information listed as compared to the previous years.

A logical place to start looking for family members is the United States Federal Census; there is a wealth of information to be found if you search your census records carefully. The great news is that census records are all over the internet, and there are several sites where you will find free census information just by putting the right word in Google search. There are also several good fee based sites, such as Ancestry.com. Your local library is another good source.

In 1787, the constitution, later ratified 21 June 1788, adopted the document that called for an enumeration to begin in 1790, and then every ten years thereafter. As a genealogist, I would like to think these census were created for my benefit, however, that is hardly the case. They track population growth in each state; they establish the head of household and list the family groups after the 1850 census. Census continues to expand each year, tracking place of birth, place of parent’s birth, unrelated people living in the household, occupations and quite often you will find other relatives in the same area.

In 1790, the first enumeration provided information for the first 13 states, listing head of household, gender, free white males above and below 16 years of age, number of women and number of slaves. Sometimes they are well preserved and legible and sometimes they are difficult to read. The name of the state, city or county is listed, as well as, the enumeration number.

In 1800, 5.3 million people represented a more than 35% growth in ten years. The ages were broken down into smaller categories, i.e. 0-10 years. The number of other free persons (except Indians who were not taxed), the number of slaves, the town, the district, and county of residence were all listed. The categories allowed Congress to determine the number of people residing in the United States for the purpose of taxation (no surprise there) and the appropriation of seats in the House of Representatives.

By 1810, 7.2 million people represented a 36.4% increase in population, the largest for any decade. Categories were essentially unchanged. In 1820, 9.6 million people represented a 33% growth. The only additions from the previous census were males from 16-18 years to be naturalized, number in agriculture, commercial or manufacture, and number of “colored” persons.

The 1830 census, showed another 33.5% population increase, to 12.9 million people. The age categories for men and women were broken down into 10 year segments. The name of a slave owner and the number of slaves owned by that person were listed, as well as, the number of free “colored” persons. Also, the number of foreigners (not naturalized) in a household and the number of deaf, dumb and blind persons were listed. The 1840 census was similar except they asked the number of Revolutionary War pensioners and the number of people engaged in mining, agriculture, commerce, manufacturing and trade, navigators of the ocean and canals, number in school and the number in the household over age 21 who could not read and write, plus the number of insane.

Finally in 1850, (now 23 million people) the Head of the Household, was followed by his spouse, their children and any others living in the house. Their age at the census date was listed, sex, color, birthplace, occupation of males over age 15, value of real estate, whether married within the previous year, whether deaf-mute, blind, insane or “idiotic” (not sure who would determine that one!), whether able to read and write for people over 21 years and it lists those attending school.  This census gives genealogists a lot more information.

The 1870 census, conducted at the conclusion of the Civil War now covers 37 states and new information but much of the census was lost or destroyed. The 1880 census represented another 30% growth during the previous decade. It was the first census to record the relationship between household members and the head of the house. Several territories were enumerated, plus our 38 states. Oklahoma was not enumerated for non-Indians. A large flux of immigrants were arriving, particularly Germans and the Irish. The 1890 census showed another 25% growth. Unfortunately most of this census was destroyed by fire.

1900 Census Form

1900 Census is a valuable asset as the 1890 census was destroyed and there was heavy immigration over those 20 years.

My name is Pamela Oglesby from sunny Jacksonville, Florida and I am a story teller.  That is, the story teller of my family history.   I have been interested in genealogy for about 20 years.  I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Jacksonville Genealogy Society.  Genealogy is my passion. I enjoy writing as well.  I like to know what life was like for my ancestors and what was happening in the world during their lifetimes.

I have a very supportive husband, 3 great sons, 1 step daughter and 4 wonderful grandchildren.  My mother lives with us as

well.  My best times are the ones spent with family and close friends.

I enjoy reading about history.  I read a wide variety of books and I am ready to travel anytime, most any where.  I am Christian and very much enjoy my church.  I enjoy gardening and am interested in vegetarian cooking.  I have my BSN and worked in nursing for 22 years until I became disable with lupus.  The lupus is under control and I have much to be grateful for in my life.  Last but not least is my 16 pound cat, Oscar.  He comes when I call him and keeps track of me at all times.

I lost a cat I loved dearly before we adopted Oscar.   I never dreamed he would be such a loving, playful companion.