Enter the person’s name to search. Even a guess can help.
Enter the person’s name to search.
Even a guess can help.
Enter the person’s name to search. Even a guess can help.
Census Records
Find out everything you need to know about census records
Census Records
Enter the person’s name to search.
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What census records can tell
The United States Census Bureau opened at the beginning of the 20th century as a way to find out information about American citizens. Though the government previously did census reports, it wasn’t until the 20th century that it became official. This government agency now does the census every decade and releases most of the information it gathers.
Keep in mind that you won’t find records from the earlier census because a fire destroyed them. The government also limits what info is available about living people to protect their privacy. Census records are a great way to confirm other records you found or to discover data you won’t find anywhere else.
Census records list the name and occupation of the head of the household along with basic information about anyone else who lived there. You may find that your grandfather was married before your grandmother because the records list his wife as someone else. These records should also tell you the names and ages of anyone else who lived in the home. For example, you might see that your grandmother was a domestic servant who lived with her employer during one census and then lived with your grandfather during the next census.
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