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Census records are a staple of genealogical research. This article refers only to the American Federal Census, since that is where my experience lies. The later years (1900, 1910 and 1920) are particularly useful. Early census records are also quite helpful. Nearly all US Federal census research can be conducted remotely. For those of us who do not live near a Regional National Archives can often do this cheaper and faster than even a Family History Center. This article will walk through an example, showing you which web sites to use and suggesting some researchers. (Please note that these researchers are only the ones that I have used in the past and my inclusion of their addresses does not constitute an endorsement.)
When to go onlineResearching census records directly is one of the easiest ways to begin your family research. You aquire certain skills that will serve you well later when you start digging for more details. However, many people either can not research directly (by virtue of being housebound or living far from research facilities) or wish to have some of the easier work done by others.If you choose to research census records yourself, many websites can provide information that will limit the time you require at the library, Family History Center or Archives. SoundexThe latest census available is the 1920. The index used for this census, as well as the ones used for the 1880, 1900 and 1910 (only some states) is called the Soundex. By assigning numbers to letters, this index was intended to group surnames by sound rather than by spelling. Many people were illiterate and surnames did not follow specific spelling conventions. Therefore Peppin and Pipin would have the same Soundex code.The first step is to convert the surname to its appropriate Soundex code. The complete rules are posted at the NARA website, if you desire to handcode your surnames. However, several calculators are available online. Some are done right on line, while others you can download and use at your convenience. Additionally, some software genealogy programs (like Family Origins) have Soundex calculators built into the program.
Example: Finding the MicrofilmThe Soundex cards (all available on microfilm) will provide the Enumeration District (EM) and page number on which the indexed family appears. To find the correct family in the 1920 census, the state the family lived in, at least one first name and approximate ages are required. This information will help distinguish a family from other similar ones.To find the family in the Soundex, three choices are available. A local research facility (FHC, Archives or library) may have the microfilm or be able to order it. Secondly, the microfilm can be ordered from the NARA lending program or other similar lending library. Finally, a researcher can be contracted to find the family. In any case, having the microfilm number is often helpful. The NARA site can provide this information. The listings for all the states and Soundex codes can be downloaded.
Example: Enumeration DistrictMany genealogy researchers have created web pages advertising their services and can be contacted via e-mail. Their rates vary greatly, as do their quality. A quick look up in the Soundex should not cost very much, particularly since you needn't obtain a hard copy of the Soundex card. The important information is the names, ages, enumeration district (ED) and page number.When pricing services, keep in mind that this research can be accomplished by ordering the microfilm at a FHC for $3.25. Of course that method would entail two trips to the FHC and a wait of at least a few days. Whatever you pay should be what that service is worth to you.
Many researchers like to collect all the families with the same surname in the state. Odds are that at least one related family (parents or brothers) may be found in the same state. Unfortunately, Boettcher is the German equivalent of Cooper and nearly 200 families carried this name in 1920 in Wisconsin. Even if I were researching this Soundex microfilm myself, I doubt I would record all the families.
Example: Enumeration PagesTo truly complete census research, the actual enumeration pages are required. The same three options exist as did for the Soundex page. Again, the NARA web site has a microfilm listing by enumeration district. Often, researchers will offer a reduction in rates if you can provide all the information required to find the pages you need. Be sure to get the pages of the census before and after the pages on which your family appears.1870 and EarlierDue to the nature of the Soundex, the census records in 1870 and earlier were not indexed. (A discussion of the Soundex can be found at http://www.ancestry.com/home/George_Morgan/03-20-98.htm.) Index books have been available for years at the National Archives and other locations. Fortunately, for those without access to these books, modern technology has come to the rescue. Census index CD-ROMs are available.These CD-ROMs are fairly expensive, but often the amount of research that will be conducted in a given state or area can justify the cost. If only one family of interest is desired, a lookup on the CD-ROM may be requested at the Genealogy CD Helplist. (Look up requests are discussed in the helplist article.) As with the later census records, the actual census records are required. Simply follow the steps above for the later census years.
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