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Lesson 10
Coming to Your Census
In 1790, Congress decided it was a good idea to count the citizens of the U.S. The Government thought a census would provide information that would help them govern the country. At first the government wanted to count men so that if war were declared, they would know how many men were eligible to serve in the military. The census is taken by a person called a census taker or enumerator. In the past, each enumerator went from house to house, counting all the people living in a certain neighborhood and asking them questions such as, "What is your occupation?" or "Where were you born?". When first using the census, it’s a good idea to start with the most recent census in which the ancestors you’re looking for might appear. Censuses are filed by state within each census year. Within each state, the films are arranged by the Soundex code number and then by a given name of the head of the household, who could be male or female. If you find your ancestor’s brother on a particular street, your ancestor may be living nearby. What is a Soundex? Use the following link to find out what the Soundex code is and how it got started. To find out how to use Census information in your research check out: While the information isn’t alphabetized , an index has been created to help family history detectives get a little closer to the page on which your ancestor’s household might be listed. This index uses the Soundex code. With the code, you can then know where in the census to search. However, the Soundex has its limitations. It doesn’t begin until 1880 and only lists households containing young children. But for many thousands of families, it is a valuable research tool. Use the following link to find out how to convert a name to a Soundex Code Activity 1 Figure out what the Soundex code is for "Smith," "Smyth," "Smithe," or "Smythe." Next, figure out your own or your ancestor’s surname. Try doing the Soundex code for the surname of other students in your class. Activity 2Use the following link to search for Census Records that may contain information on your ancestors. Remember if you find any information record it in your research log.
Questions to consider 1. In what way is the Census useful to genealogists? 2. What kind of information can be obtained from a Census? 3. Why is knowing how to use the Soundex Code important? What I have learned In this lesson you have learned how Census records have helped people find their ancestors and the valuable information that can be found in the Census record. You have also learned how to use the Soundex code and why this is important when using Census Indexes. In Lesson 11 you will have an opportunity to gather all your information together into a family history. To Lesson 11
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