Use the 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide for detailed ancestry research.
This is an essential guide for researching the 1870 U.S. Census. The 1870 U.S. Census is a list of questions asked to the U.S. Federal Population in 1870. The census captures the moment in time for each person recorded in the 1870 U.S. Census.
Use this guide to learn about and discover the stories of the people who lived during and before the 1870s. With the 1870 U.S. census information, you can, for starters, build individual and family profiles, write narratives, build family trees and find related records to research.
Table of Contents for 1870 U.S. Census Guide
The Essential 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide contains the following sections:
- Additional 1790-1950 U.S. Federal Census Resources
- Details about the 1870 U.S. Census
- How to Search and Use the 1870 U.S. Census Data
- Search the 1870 U.S. Census Substitutes Schedules
- How 1870 U.S. Census Can Lead to Military Records
- Use the 1870 U.S. Census to Calculate the Birth Year
- What is the 1870 U.S. Federal Census?
- What Can You Find in U.S. Census
- Questions Asked in the 1870 U.S. Census
- Author B. Schreiber’s Introduction to the U.S. Census
Note: All images in this guide reflect life from the 1870s.
Why use the Essential 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners
This guide is based on 1,000s of hours of my first-hand experience in researching the U.S. Censuses for purposes related to writing individuals and family narratives, family history, and genealogy. Writers, family historians, and genealogists can, for example, use this comprehensive research guide to:
- Learn 100’s of census research tips and tricks
- Correctly connect related individuals and family
- Complete and extend ancestral family trees
- Recognize, decipher and use clues from census data
- Build and expand individual family profiles
- Learn about and find other historical records
- Conduct exhaustive background research for writing narratives
- Write compelling individual and family narratives
- Find local, regional, state and national record repositories
Why the Essential 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners was written
I’m Author B. Schreiber, a professional writer and blogger. I first started researching the U.S. Censuses to gain background information for stories and narratives I was writing about individuals and families I was related to.
Researching the U.S. Censuses can be complex and overwhelming
I spend hundreds of hours learning about each census and how to solve my research problems. This 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide is a compilation of what I learned and continue to apply. I am sharing this information because I understand how frustrating U.S. Census research can be. Perhaps this knowledge can help you. See the section: Author B. Schreiber’s Introduction to the U.S. Census.
Additional 1790-1950 U.S. Federal Census Resources
Essential censuses research guides
Click on any of the following years, and you will be taken to that years’ essential census research guide:
Census and historical record research articles
Throughout this U.S. federal census guide, please find links to resources that I have specifically prepared to help you. In addition, I have written and assembled other resources to provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the census research process. I have tried to cover every possible question and angle you are likely to face in your U.S. census research. I would encourage you to use the resources often. The resources include:
- 35 Important U.S. Census Research Tips and Tricks
- Pre-1850 U.S. Census Research Tips for Historians
- Where to find 1850-1940 Censuses Research Clues
- Introduction to 1790-1940 U.S. Censuses Ancestry Research
- How to Use Naming Patterns in Ancestry Research
- 5 Step Ancestry Research Process for Historians
- How to Cite and Verify Ancestry Research
- How to Conduct Detailed Exhaustive Historical Research
- Introduction to Ancestry Research and Historical Records
- 15 Strategies to Find Ancestor Names in Historical Records
- Keep Ancestry Research Focused with These 28 Simple Tips
(Video) Introduction to 1870 U.S. Census Historical Research. The “Introduction to 1870 U.S. Census Historical Research” provides a quick overview of the 1870 U.S. Census and how you can make the most from the 1870 U.S. Census for individual and family historical and narrative research.
For additional videos, see the BeginMyStory YouTube Channel.
Where to find the 1870 U.S. Census online
The following are some standard resources I have consulted:
Details about the 1870 U.S. Census
The following are a few of the details that are important to understand about the 1870 U.S. Federal census:
Number of persons included in the 1870 U.S. Census: 39,818,449 people were enumerated in the United States.
1870 U.S. Census day: June 1, 1870
1870 U.S. Census duration: 5 months
1870 U.S. Census geography:
- States and territories enumerated: 37 states and nine territories where included in the census.
- New states: The newest states included the in 1870 U.S. Census were West Virginia, Nebraska, Kansas, and Nevada
- Territories included: Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Dakota and Indian
- The available states include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
- The missing states: All census records survived.
A few important facts about the 1870 U.S. Census include:
The specific location for Germany. For the specific country of birth (i.e. Germany), the enumerator was to be more specific: Baden, Prussia, Bavaria, Wurttemberg, Hessen-Darmstadt.
Numeration date. The numeration date is June 1, 1870, with five months to complete the census. On this form, you are provided the actual date with the census taker was at the place of residence for an individual. While the family was to provide who was in the home as of June 1, 1870.
President during the census. Ulysses S. Grant is the president
Three copies of the census
Enumerators were to make two extra copies of the original census: 1) one for the county clerk 2) one for the state/territory 3) the Census office. This simply means that you will either be looking at the original or a copy of the schedules.
Five schedules
Five schedules were prepared for the 1870 U.S. Census. They included:
- Schedule 1: General Population
- Schedule 2: Mortality
- Schedule 3: Agriculture
- Schedule 4: Products of Industry
- Schedule 5: Social Statistics
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation, as of Jan. 1, 1863, all slaves were free. This is the first census where those nameless persons on the slave schedules are now free and listed by name and age. The war had liberated nearly four million slaves and at the same time created the challenge of establishing a new social order based on freedom and racial equality.
The Freedmen’s Bureau
Established in 1865 The Freedmen’s Bureau (the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands) provided assistance to thousands of former slaves and impoverished whites mostly in the Southern states and District of Columbia. The records left by the bureau between 1865 and 1872 are the most extensive source for investigating the African American experience in the post-Civil War era. Among the records you will find, for example, the names, ages, and former occupations of freedmen and names and residences of former owners as well as marriage registers that provide the names, addresses, ages, and complexions of husbands and wives and their children. There are three sets of records for you to search that include: 1) Commissioner’s records, 2) Superintendent of Education, 3) Field office records which are the most valuable for genealogy. To find records do a Google search on “The Freedmen’s Bureau Records.”
How to Search and Use the 1870 U.S. Census Data
Learn how to search and use the data found in the 1870 U.S. Census. In this section of the Essential 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners, you are provided a review of each group of the 1870 U.S. Census questions, including research insights, tips and tricks, and must-know information to aid your research.
- Definition: Column equals the column of the census where the information is recorded for each person.
Table of Contents for Census Questions
The following is a list of the 1870 U.S. Census questions. Each category provides research insights.
- Location and Dwelling Questions (Col. 1-3)
- Family Number Question (Col. 3)
- Names Question (Col. 4)
- Personal Description Questions (Col. 5-7)
- Occupation Question (Col. 8)
- Real Property Questions (Col. 9-10)
- Place of Birth Question (Col. 11)
- Foreign-Born Parents Questions (Col. 12-13)
- Additional Personal Description Questions (Col. 14-15)
- Education Questions (Col. 16-18)
- Citizenship Questions (Col. 19-20)
Each of the following categories will provide you what I consider to be some of the essential research insights, tips and tricks, and more for each of the questions.
Location and Dwelling Questions (Col. 1-2)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 1-2) location and dwelling questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Censusquestions for columns 1-2
The questions are as follows:
Col. 1: Line No. on Page
Col. 2: Dwelling house No.
Research tips and insights include:
Location and Dwelling number (Col. 1 -2)
We are provided with the city/town/village/borough, county, and state where the family resides. This can help in defining geographic areas to search for family and records.
Counted in order
The dwelling was the number of houses that were counted.
Search for historical and genealogical societies
Search for a historical and genealogical society in the county to learn about the community; records developed when individuals lived in the area, connect with other genealogists researching the same surname, groups (i.e., church) to which your family belonged.
Use the location to find modern-day repositories
Use the location to identify modern-day record repositories that are near the place your family lived (e.g., historical societies, genealogical societies, libraries, archives, courthouses.)
Family Number Question (Col. 3)
How can I use the 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 3) family number question in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census question for columns 3
The question is as follows:
Col. 3: Family No.
Research tips and insights include:
Family Number (Col. 3)
This was the actual number of families counted.
Order of household visited
The census is recorded in the order of households visited. Take special note of the dwelling location versus the family number. For example, you could have dwelling 1 and dwelling 2, but for dwelling two you could have families 2, 3 and 4 living in the dwelling 2. This could be an apartment building or several families living in the same home. If you have people living in the same building, we need to be asking how they are related.
Learn about the circle of influence. You can begin to build the circle of influence for an individual by seeing who the neighbors were.
Search the neighbors
Often neighbors move with neighbors. Are they the same family? Members of the same congregation? Friends? If you can’t follow family or find the family in the census, see if you can follow neighbors. Are the given names similar among the neighbors and your family? Similar names run in families. This might be a clue that they are more than just neighbors. It has been my experience that neighbors, even when they don’t share the same name are related. Look for the neighbors being the wife’s parents, sister of the husband, siblings of the wife, aunts and uncles and so forth. When I couldn’t find an individual in location, I have searched on the names of known neighbors to find my family. Make sure you include the names of neighbors in your family profile.
Names Question (Col. 4)
How can I use the 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 4) names question in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census question for columns 4
The question is as follows:
Col. 4: Name of every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June 1870, was in this family
Research tips and insights include:
Composition of the family (Col. 4)
Provides members of the household by name.
As of June 1870
List the persons who lived in the home as of June 1870.
Individual names
Individual names for those in the household.
Important enumerator instructions
The enumerator was given the following instructions: “The names are to be written, beginning with the father and mother; or if either, or both, be dead, begin with some other ostensible head of the family; to be followed, as far as practicable, with the name of the oldest child residing at home, then the next oldest, and so on to the youngest, then the other inmates, lodgers and borders, laborers, domestics, and servants.”
Relationships not provided
You will need to use other records to help make associations. Do not make assumptions about the relationships.
Death or birth after June 1, 1870
Individuals who died or children were not included who were born after June 1, 1870.
The first census after Civil War
This is the first census after the U.S. Civil War which defines who lived and who were survivors after the war.
New family scenarios
Because of the extensive destruction of the war and migration of the people, you will find families scattered and redefined because of the war. For example, I have seen families who are 1) have not change living in the same place, 2) a mix of extended families (e.g., grandma grandpa, wife and children) because husband died 3) Mix of friends and neighbors helping other (two widows with children living together, 4) New families single soldiers marring, 5) Remarriages where a single mother marries and combines her family with another male.
The first census after the migration during 1860s
Special note about families during the 1860s.
- Migration. Migration during the war resulted from people moving to live with family/relatives because it was safer and far from the front lines, a place to live because there was no male to farm the land/farms were destroyed and some even followed their husbands from war zone to war zone.
- Fresh start. You will also see many surviving soldiers wanting a fresh start. Keep in mind that during the war the soldiers, many of whom had never left the county in which they lived, had chances to see new states and were willing to make a new live in the places they had seen. So don’t be surprised to see your family in places you have never seen before.
Daughters
It was common for families to send their daughter to live with another family, while married women tried to manage farms.
Moving in with family. If a woman lost her husband during the war, it was common for them to move back home with their father and mother.
- Missing male. If a male is present in the 1860 census and not in 1870, it may be a clue that the person was a casualty of the Civil War. See the category “Search military records,” and click on the article, “Civil War 1861-1865,” to learn about how to research and find records available for the war.
- Remarriages. Because of the death of many spouses during the 1860s, you will want to be on the lookout for remarriages between 1860-1870 censuses. You might pick this up in the state census.
- Search all lines. In the 1870 U.S. Census, I have made it a practice to search all family directly and related lines (e.g., siblings, aunts/uncles, friends, and neighbors) to reconnect families that were separated by the war.
Searching lost families
Important clues for searching lost families that you can’t find in the 1870 U.S. Census:
- See where the individual was born. Look at the 1860 census to see where the family was born. This will be a good place to start your search since many families (mother and children) moved back home to be with mom and dad or grandfather and grandmother.
- Search female name and age. Searching on the female name and age rather than the known husband’s first and last name.
- Remarriage. Remember if her husband died and the woman remarried, she will have a different last name. Start your search in the county where they resided prior to the war. Search every line of the census in that area.
- Search for guardianship records. Make sure you also search court records for guardianship papers. If a father and/or husband were killed and the woman didn’t remarry there would most like to be guardianship papers filed which can include notes on remarriage and moves.
- Search for neighbors you seen in the 1860 census. It is rare when I have not found the same neighbors being present from one census to the next.
- Not included. I have had the chance to speak with several genealogists who focus on the Southern state’s research who have shared with me that there were many persons who lived but were omitted simply because they were on the move as with migration.
Courthouses burned
Many courthouses were burned during the Civil War losing forever many records. This makes the census records even more valuable for this time period. Word of caution, if you hear that the courthouse where an individual lived was burned, you still need to check to see if records survive. I have on two occasions found that an individual’s records were among the few that were saved.
African American research
This is the first census where those nameless persons on the slave schedules are now free and listed by name and age. The war had liberated nearly four million slaves and at the same time created the challenge of establishing a new social order based on freedom and racial equality.
Courthouse documents
Make it practices to extensively search every available document in the courthouse from purchasing, transferring of slaves, wills, and so forth to help reconstruct the family unit. I have seen where “carpetbaggers,” persons from the Northern states moved to the South to take advantage of the instability of the South. Many of these Northerners went out of their way to help freed slaves register their real names and record land deeds.
Finding African American families when they changed surnames
Between 1865 and 1875, I have found that it was common for African American families to choose a different surname. If you suspect this happened to your family, try searching on the first name and ages to locate the family or searching on the neighbor’s surnames.
Check the Freedmen’s Bureau
Established in 1865 The Freedmen’s Bureau (the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands) provided assistance to thousands of former slaves and impoverished whites mostly in the Southern states and District of Columbia. The records left by the bureau between 1865 and 1872 are the most extensive source for investigating the African American experience in the post-Civil War era. Among the records you will find, for example, the names, ages, and former occupations of freedmen and names and residences of former owners as well as marriage registers that provide the names, addresses, ages, and complexions of husbands and wives and their children. There are three sets of records for you to search that include: 1) Commissioner’s records, 2) Superintendent of Education, 3) Field office records which are the most valuable for genealogy. To learn more about how to find and research these records, do a Google search on “The Freedmen’s Bureau Records.”
Follow family through the census
Make it a priority to follow your family through censuses during their lifetime (e.g., federal, state, territorial, and local censuses) as well as census schedules if they exist (e.g., population, agriculture, manufacturing, social statistics, crime, mortality, veterans, slave.)
Searching the 1860 census
If you having a hard time finding an individual in the 1860 census, remember the family you see in 1870 just experienced the destruction of the Civil War. Many families were rebuilt through remarriages, combining of families, moving and so forth. Try searching for the neighbors that you see in the 1870 U.S. Census. It is rare that I haven’t found the same people moving or living alongside my family when they have picked up and moved hundreds of miles. Also make sure you check other records present for the time period such as court, land, wills and probate records.
Check original census
Always seek to see the images of the original census to compare against the transcription.
Search the same surname
Look closely at persons with the same surname. Could they be a relative? Does the individual show up as a child in the earlier census? Search other records such as deeds, wills to see if the person shows up. Could individuals be in-laws? Check marriages of the county for husbands of sisters, aunts, and mothers.
Research all persons in the household
It will not be uncommon to find individuals living in the same household that have different surnames (last names). As a practice, research all persons living in the household with an individual or in the home of siblings. There is usually a family connection. I have found it important to search for the surname several pages before and after the page where you find your family. This can also help in suggesting relationships between neighbors. Look for added clues such as given first names, occupations, places of origin. When I contact the genealogical/historical societies, I have often sought to find the genealogists who are researching these surnames to compare research.
Extract all with the same surname
Make it a practice to extract all the persons with the same surname living in the same county. Are they family? They could be a family connection or related connection such as where they came from. If your family lives near a state our county border, go ahead and extract the persons with the same surnames from neighboring counties. I have usually found important clues and connections among those with the same surname that has enhanced my research.
Personal Description Questions (Col. 5-7)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 5-7) personal description questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census questions for columns 5-7
The questions are as follows:
Col. 5: Age last birthday
Col. 6: Sex
Col. 7: Color
-
- White (W)
- Black (B)
- Mulatto (M)
- Chinese (C)
- Indian (I)
Research tips and insights include:
Age (Col. 5)
This is not the exact date of birth, but it will provide a “ballpark” number that you can use in the help you track the person in the next census and search for birth event records of the time period.
Children under the age of 1
Children under the age of 1 were represented months as fractions such as 1/12.
Search other records
Few states during this period had vital records, but there are good chances that you may be able to look for church records. Start your search for these types of records at the genealogical/historical society.
Age gaps
Look at age gaps between children. Is the age cap normal? For example, every two years. Are the age gaps larger than expected? This could be a clue that there was another child or spouse that had passed away. Look at age of husband and wife. Are they about the same age? Is one spouse much older than the other? If yes, this could be a clue that there is a second marriage. Look at the ages of children and the place of birth. This might provide clues of where the parents were married or from where the family migrated.
Color (Col. 7)
In this census, there are more indications of color with the White (W), Indian (I) American Indian, Black (B), Chinese (C) included all east Asians,, Mulatto (M). This information may be helpful in determining the person’s origins.
Occupation Question (Col. 8)
How can I use the 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 8) occupation question in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census question for columns 8
The question is as follows:
Col. 8: Profession, Occupation, or Trade of each person, male or female
Research tips and insights include:
Occupation (Col. 8)
This indicates the person’s occupation and related information can help one search for employment records. Look carefully at the person’s occupation/trade and define what types of records might exist. I had an individual who was a merchant which led me to look for a business license, business/professional directory, ads for his business in the newspaper and related documents all of which I found. Another genealogist had an ancestor who was a member of the clergy which led them to search and find church records. If the person was a farmer, make sure you look at Schedule 4, “Agricultural Census” for more information about the family.
Real Property Questions (Col. 9-10)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 9-10) real property questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census questions for columns 9-10
The questions are as follows:
Col. 9: Value of Real Estate owned
Col. 10: Value of Personal Estate
Research tips and insights include:
Value of real estate (Col. 9-10)
This will help identify records you can locate at the county recorder’s office or equivalent agency for deeds, mortgages, and property tax records.
- Value of personal estates. Take note that this was the first time “value of personal estates” was asked. There is evidence that when this question was asked that people may have hesitated to provide the exact answer because of the fear that they would be taxed based on the answer provided.
- Courthouse records. If an individual living in the South during 1870, make sure you check court records carefully. Many court battles exist to reclaim the land that was confiscated during the war. There is a good chance you will find where the family currently resides if they moved away and are fighting to get their property back.
Place of Birth Question (Col. 11)
How can I use the 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 11) place of birth question in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census question for columns 11
The question is as follows:
Col. 8: Profession, Occupation, or Trade of each person, male or female
Research tips and insights include:
Place of birth (Col. 11)
If the person was born in the United States, the enumerator was to enter the state where they were born. If they were born outside the United States, the enumerator would enter the native country. If the person was born within the state they were being enumerated, the census taker might include the county or township. For the specific country of Germany, the enumerator was to be more specific: Baden, Prussia, Bavaria, Wurttemberg, Hessen-Darmstadt.
- Narrow search. Use this information to narrow your search for records to the geographic area even town. Also very helpful with clues to immigration and/or migration.
Foreign-Born Parents Questions (Col. 12-13)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 12-13) foreign-born parents questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census questions for columns 12-13
The questions are as follows:
Col. 12: Father was Foreign-born
Col. 13: Mother was Foreign-born
Research tips and insights include:
Foreign-born Parents (Col. 12-13)
This is the first census to ask if the parents were foreign-born. The mark (y) means yes they are foreign-born. Even though we are not given the actual birthplace, we do have clue that they are immigrants. Other records to check would include ships passenger lists, immigration lists and so forth. Also, be on the lookout for naturalization records.
Additional Personal Description Questions (Col. 14-15)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 14-15) additional personal description questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census questions for columns 14-15
The questions are as follows:
Col. 14: Month if born within census year
Col. 15: Month if married within census year
Research tips and insights include:
Marital Status (Col. 15)
This denotes if the individual was married within the year (i.e., June 2, 1869, to June 1, 1870.) It will provide clues for looking for marriage event records of the time period. Because the person could have been married at any time during that year, make it a practice to also look for school records for the individuals also.
Education Questions (Col. 16-18)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 16-18) education questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census questions for columns 16-18
The questions are as follows:
Col. 16: Attended School within the year
Col. 17: Cannot read/Cannot write
Col. 18: Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, idiotic
Research tips and insights include:
Education (Col. 16)
This identifies if the person had gone to school within the year (i.e., June 2, 1869, to June 1, 1870.) This will provide clues to look for school records that can associate children with parents. Look for records such as school census.
Read and write (Col. 17)
Use this information to confirm that you have the right person when searching other records. For example, you are searching wills of individuals with the same name as an individual. The census records said that an individual could read and write. You find the wills of two persons with the same name. One marked his will with an X the other signed his name on the will. The person using the X most likely couldn’t read or write. Since you are looking for a person who could read and write, the X should raise caution flags that this person may not be the person you are looking for.
Whether deaf & dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict (Col. 18)
Do not overlook this category. Insane could lead to institutional and/or guardianship records; convict could finding court and/or jail records.
Citizenship Questions (Col. 19-20)
How can I use 1870 U.S. Census (Col. 19-20) citizenship questions in my research?
The 1870 U.S. Census questions for columns 19-20
The questions are as follows:
Col. 19: Male citizen 21 years & up
Col. 20: Make citizen 21 with right to vote
Research tips and insights include:
Male Citizenship over 21 (Co. 19)
This category asked only of men, denotes that person had their rights to vote denied or they didn’t know if they had the right because they had never voted.
- Reasons for denial. Usually, a person was denied the vote do to the reason of insanity, mental defect, etc. In the South, a person could no longer be denied to vote based on race. However, there were states that were establishing laws that could deny a person the right to vote based on their ability to pass a literacy test. Many of the former slaves were not able to read or write.
- Naturalized by 1870. If the person was a foreign-born citizen, then they had become a naturalized citizen in 1870. This may lead to finding naturalization papers.
Male Citizenship over 21 with the right to vote (Col. 20)
This question, asked only of me, is the first time for the question about whether the person has the right to vote. Use this clue to research other records such as voter rolls, deed records and so forth.
[Return to Questions TOC]
[Return to Guide TOC]
Search the 1870 U.S. Census Schedules
The 1870 U.S. Census included the population and several other schedules taken usually at the same time. There are resources online and in print that provides more detail on these schedules and how to use them in genealogy research. I always suggest that you check these schedules. They include:
(Video) Introduction to U.S. Census Special Enumeration Schedules. An overview of the special enumeration schedules that are found in the U.S. Censuses. Learn about the mortality, agricultural, veterans, slave, and Indian special enumerations.
Industry/Manufacturing Schedule
Provides information on businesses and industries for the year (i.e., June 2, 1869, to June 1, 1870). Manufactures that were household-based were not included. The information collected focused on the products of the industry such as mining, fisheries, mercantile, commercial and trading businesses. The census taker included the name of the company/owner, kind of business, the amount invested, quantity and value of materials, labor, machinery and products. These schedules are valuable because they many document businessmen and merchants who do not appear in the land records.
Mortality Schedule
Provides information about persons who died during the twelve months prior to the census (i.e., June 2, 1869 to June 1, 1870). It collected the following information: name, age, sex, color, and place of birth, marital status, profession, occupation/trade, the month of death, disease or cause of death, number of days ill and remarks. In 1870 a place for parents’ birthplaces was added. In 1880, the place where the disease was contracted, how long the deceased person was a citizen or resident and included fractions (e.g. 1/12) if less than a year. Use the information to research other records such as obituaries, mortuary records, cemeteries, and probate records.
(Video) 1850-1860 U.S. Census Mortality Schedules Overview. An overview of what types of information you will find in the U.S. Census Mortality Schedules. Learn about the mortality schedules and view the 1850 to 1880 schedule questions.
Agricultural Schedule
Provides data on farms and the names of the farmers for the year (i.e., June 2, 1869, to June 1, 1870). Farm information focused on agricultural production. In 1870 and 1880 farms of less than three acres or which produced less than $500 worth of products were not included. Use the information to
- Fill in gaps with land and tax records are missing
- Distinguish between individuals with the same surnames
- Document land ownership and search-related records such as deeds, mortgages, tax rolls and probate inventories.
- Verify and document sharecroppers (e.g., African American) and their overseers not listed in any other records.
- Identify free men of color and their property holdings.
- Trace migration and economic growth.
(Video) 1850-1885 U.S. Census Agriculture Schedules Overview. An overview of what types of information you will find in the U.S. Census Agriculture Schedules. Learn about the agriculture schedules and view the 1850 to 1880 schedule questions.
Social Statistics Schedule
Includes information about the following topics: valuation of real estate; annual taxes; colleges, academies, and schools; seasons and crops; libraries; newspapers and periodicals; religion; pauperism; crime; and wages. These schedules are valuable because they many document businessmen and merchants who do not appear in the land records. For example,
- Cemeteries. You will have a listing of the cemeteries (i.e., names, addresses, descriptions, procedures for internment) with the city boundaries along with maps pinpointing their locations. You will also find lists of cemeteries that are no longer open and why.
- Trade societies, lodges and clubs. You find their names, addresses, and officers.
- Churches. You will find a brief history, overview of doctrine and policies and statistical list of members.
How 1870 U.S. Census Can Lead to Military Records
Even though there is no information in the 1870 U.S. Census identifying veterans of war, there are still men living who served in one or more military wars and conflicts. The records available for these veterans vary but can yield important clues and knowledge about the individual and their family. For example:
- Pension applications. Search for pension applications and records of pension payments for veterans, their widows, and other heirs. The pension applications usually provide the most information and can include supporting documents such as marriage, birth, and death records/certificates, pages from family Bibles, family letters, dispositions of witnesses, affidavits, discharge papers and other supporting documents. Even if an individual did not receive a pension, look to see if his pension request was denied.
- Bounty lands. Bounty land applications also are related to wartime service. The federal government provided bounty land for those who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and Indian wars between 1775 and 1855. Bounty lands were offered as an incentive to serve and as a reward for service. Bounty land was claimed by veterans or their heirs.
Search for these military records:
Early Indian Wars 1815-1858
Look for military records of men serving in the Early Indian Wars who are between the ages of 35 and 90+ in the 1870 U.S. Census. These men would have been born prior to 1835.
Mexican War 1846-1848
Look for military records of men serving in the Mexican Wars who are between the ages of 37-85+ in the 1870 U.S. Census. These men would have been born prior to 1832.
Civil War 1861-1865
Civil War 1861-1865. Look for military records of men who would be serving in the U.S. Civil War who are between the ages of 20 and 70 in the 1870 U.S. Census. These men would have been born in 1850 and earlier. Keep in mind that many young men lied about their age and served with their father, brother (s), or other family members. If an individual lived in the Union or Confederate states that they served in their army. If an individual lived in the Union or Confederate states that they served in their army. Many men who were in the Union served in the Confederacy. And there are many men from the South that served in the Union Army. Make sure that you search for all male members of the family (i.e., father, sons, brothers, uncles, and nephews.) The Civil War enlistment card will give you clues of an individuals’ location and place of residence. See the article: How to Find Civil War Soldier Records for Writing Narratives
Researching military headstones
Military headstones have evolved through time. See the following articles for details: Meaning of Each Religious Emblem of Belief for U.S. Military Headstones
(Video) Introduction to U.S. Military Headstones. An introduction to U.S. military headstones provides an understanding of the design, history, symbolism, and individual and family research.
Use the 1870 U.S. Census to Calculate the Birth Year
In Column 6 of the 1870 US Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following 1870 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided. For more information, see the following article: How to Use the Census to Calculate the Birth Year
Age calculated as of June 1, 1870.
| 1870 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1870 | 28 | 1842 | 67 | 1803 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1870 | 29 | 1841 | 68 | 1802 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1870 | 30 | 1840 | 69 | 1801 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1870 | 31 | 1839 | 70 | 1800 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1870 | 32 | 1838 | 71 | 1799 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1869 | 33 | 1837 | 72 | 1798 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1869 | 34 | 1836 | 73 | 1797 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1869 | 35 | 1835 | 74 | 1796 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1869 | 36 | 1834 | 75 | 1795 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1869 | 37 | 1833 | 76 | 1794 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1869 | 38 | 1832 | 77 | 1793 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1869 | 39 | 1831 | 78 | 1792 |
| 1 | 1869 | 40 | 1830 | 79 | 1791 |
| 2 | 1868 | 41 | 1829 | 80 | 1790 |
| 3 | 1867 | 42 | 1828 | 81 | 1789 |
| 4 | 1866 | 43 | 1827 | 82 | 1788 |
| 5 | 1865 | 44 | 1826 | 83 | 1787 |
| 6 | 1864 | 45 | 1825 | 84 | 1786 |
| 7 | 1863 | 46 | 1824 | 85 | 1785 |
| 8 | 1862 | 47 | 1823 | 86 | 1784 |
| 9 | 1861 | 48 | 1822 | 87 | 1783 |
| 10 | 1860 | 49 | 1821 | 88 | 1782 |
| 11 | 1859 | 50 | 1820 | 89 | 1781 |
| 12 | 1858 | 51 | 1819 | 90 | 1780 |
| 13 | 1857 | 52 | 1818 | 91 | 1779 |
| 14 | 1856 | 53 | 1817 | 92 | 1778 |
| 15 | 1855 | 54 | 1816 | 93 | 1777 |
| 16 | 1854 | 55 | 1815 | 94 | 1776 |
| 17 | 1853 | 56 | 1814 | 95 | 1775 |
| 18 | 1852 | 57 | 1813 | 96 | 1774 |
| 19 | 1851 | 58 | 1812 | 97 | 1773 |
| 20 | 1850 | 59 | 1811 | 98 | 1772 |
| 21 | 1849 | 60 | 1810 | 99 | 1771 |
| 22 | 1848 | 61 | 1809 | 100 | 1770 |
| 23 | 1847 | 62 | 1808 | 101 | 1769 |
| 24 | 1846 | 63 | 1807 | 102 | 1768 |
| 25 | 1845 | 64 | 1806 | 103 | 1767 |
| 26 | 1844 | 65 | 1805 | 104 | 1766 |
| 27 | 1843 | 66 | 1804 | 105 | 1765 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1870 U.S. Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
Ages.-The exact age, in figures, will be inserted in column 4, wherever the same can be obtained; otherwise, the nearest approximation thereto. Where the age is a matter of considerable doubt, the assistant marshal may make a note to that effect. Children, who, on the 1st of June, 1870, were less than a year old, will have their age stated by the fractional part of the year, as (one month) 1-12, (three months) 3-12, (nine months) 9-12, etc. In all other cases, months will be omitted. The age taken is the age at last birthday.
What is the 1870 U.S. Federal Census?
A census is a government-sponsored enumeration of the population in a particular area. It contains a variety of information — names, heads of household (or all household members), ages, citizenship status, ethnic background, and so on. Here are some different types of census records you are likely to come across in your research.
U.S. federal census is also called a population schedule. Federal census records provide the building blocks of your research, allowing you to confirm the information and learn more. Compiled in the United States for every decade since 1790, census population schedules are comprehensive, detailed records of the federal government’s decennial survey of American households. The federal government uses information from the schedules for demographic analysis.
The schedules themselves, of interest primarily to genealogists, contain the personal information of the survey respondents. To protect the people’s privacy whose names appear in each schedule, census records are restricted for 72 years after the census is taken and are not available to researchers during that time.
What Can You Find in U.S. Census
Use the 1870 U.S. Census Guide to learn about and discover the stories of the people who lived during and before the 1870s. With the 1870 U.S. census information, you can, for starters, build individual and family profiles, write narratives, build family trees and find related records to research. For example, you can use the census to:
- Identify members of the household by name
- Identify ages of individuals by name
- Begin to establish family relationships (e.g., spouse, children, siblings, parents)
- Identify who is missing (perhaps a Civil War casualty)
- Identify people of color: White (W), Indian (I) American Indian, Black (B), Chinese (C) included all east Asians, Mulatto (M)
- Build first family scenario for Freedmen of color
- Begin to identify possible remarriages and step relationships
- Identify parent of foreign birth
- Locate and identify birthplaces
- Identify occupations
- Locate and identify real estate
- Find information in various schedules that include: Population, agriculture, industry and mortality
- Locate and identify families who are neighbors
- Identify spelling variations
- Locate and identify a family in other census substitute records (e.g., probate inventories, tax lists)
- Locate and identify children not yet known
- Locate and identify possible parents
- Locate and identify possible children not listed in later censuses
- Differentiate between families of the same name
- Locate and identify possible neighbors who might be family
Questions Asked in the 1870 U.S. Census
The following are the questions found on the 1870 U.S. federal census:
LOCATION
Col. 1: Line No. on Page
Col. 2: Dwelling house No.
HOUSEHOLD DATA
Col. 3: Family No.
NAME
Col. 4: Name of every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June 1870, was in this family
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
Col. 5: Age last birthday
Col. 6: Sex
Col. 7: Color
• White (W)
• Black (B)
• Mulatto (M)
• Chinese (C)
• Indian (I)
OCCUPATION
Col. 8: Profession, Occupation, or Trade of each person, male or female
REAL PROPERTY
Col. 9: Value of Real Estate owned
Col. 10: Value of Personal Estate
PLACE OF BIRTH
Col. 11: Place of birth
FOREIGN-BORN PARENTS
Col. 12: Father was Foreign born
Col. 13: Mother was Foreign born
ADDITIONAL PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
Col. 14: Month if born within census year
Col. 15: Month if married within census year
EDUCATION
Col. 16: Attended School within the year
Col. 17: Cannot read/Cannot write
Col. 18: Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, idiotic
CITIZENSHIP
Col. 19: Male citizen 21 years & up
Col. 20: Make citizen 21 with right to vote
EDUCATION
Col. 17: Attended School
Col. 18: Cannot read/Cannot write
PLACE OF BIRTH
Col. 19: Place of birth
Col. 20: Place of birth of father
Col. 21: Place of birth of mother
Author B. Schreiber’s Introduction to the U.S. Census
I first used the U.S. census to help find and discover the past of my step-father, John. I was interested in writing a personal narrative about his life. I wanted to answer questions like.
- Where was he born?
- Who was his family?
- What was his family story?
- What was it like during different periods of his life?
- Are there any family records (e.g., birth, marriage, school, death, etc.) that exist?
- Are there any photos, journals, letters, memorabilia about the individual or family?
- Are there living families or descendants that I can interview or help tell the story?
I did not have much information. I knew where he was buried. He was born in either the 1920s/1930s. He was born in one of four states, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. John had been married to my mother for about 5 years. After their divorce, my mother lost track of him until she received a call from the police department one day asking if she knew John. John’s body had been left in a hospital’s emergency room parking lot without any personal identification. His body was taken to a local morgue, where he remained for four months until he was identified by my mother. My mother then took steps to have John’s remains buried in a nearby cemetery with a military headstone.
I shared the story with a friend of mine who was a genealogist/family historian. She asked me if I had ever thought of looking in the U.S. Census. I responded with the answer of no and questioned her about how the c
She invited me to join her at a local library, where over the next couple of hours, she began to show me the census of the 1940s, 1930s, and 1920s. Within a couple of hours, she helped me find John and his related family in and around Jersey City, New Jersey. From those humble beginnings, I used the census as a steppingstone to finding records, locating living members of John’s family, and so much more.
In short, John was born in the late 1920s in Jersey City. Growing up, he became a bookie for the mob when he was in his early 20s. When he was caught stealing from the mob, the mob put out a contract on his life.
Desperately needing help, John went to his brother, a captain for the local police department, for safety. His brother was able to work directly with the mob to negotiate for Johns’s life. John was required to pay the money back with interest and leave town, never to return. He was a soldier in WWII and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. When he met my mom, he was a dispatcher for a taxicab company.
From that first experience, I spent 1000s hours learning how to use the U.S. 1940-1790 Censuses as a primary resource for my narrative and background research about individuals, families, and character development.
