Use the 1900 U.S. Census Research Guide for detailed ancestry research.
This is an essential guide for researching the 1900 U.S. Census. The 1900 U.S. Census Research is a list of questions asked to the U.S. Federal Population in 1900. The census captures the moment in time for each person recorded in the 1900 Census.
Use this guide to learn about and discover the stories of the people who lived during and before the 1900s. With the 1900 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 1900 U.S. Census Research Guide
The Essential 1900 U.S. Census Research Guide contains the following sections:
- Additional 1790-1950 U.S. Federal Census Resources
- Details about the U.S. 1900 U.S. Census Research
- How to Search and Use the 1900 U.S. Census Research Data
- How 1900 U.S. Census Research Can Lead to Military Records
- Use the 1900 U.S. Census Research to Calculate the Birth Year
- What is the 1900 U.S. Federal Census?
- What Can You Find in U.S. Census
- Questions Asked in the 1900 U.S. Census Research
- Author B. Schreiber’s Introduction to the U.S. Census
Note: All images in this guide reflect life from the 1900s.
Why use the Essential 1900 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 1900 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 1900 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 1900 U.S. Census Historical Research. The “Introduction to 1900 U.S. Census Historical Research” provides a quick overview of the 1900 U.S. Census and how you can make the most from the 1900 U.S. Census Research for individual and family historical and narrative research.
For additional videos, see the BeginMyStory YouTube Channel.
Where to find the 1910 U.S. Census online
The following are some standard resources I have consulted:
Details about the 1900 U.S. Census Research
The following are a few of the details that are important to understand about the 1900 U.S. Federal census:
Number of persons included in the 1900 U.S. Census: 76,212,168 people were living in the United States.
1900 U.S. Census day: June 1, 1900
1900 U.S. Census duration: 1 month for rural districts or two weeks for populations over 8,000
1900 U.S. Census geography:
- States and territories enumerated: 45 states and six territories were included in the census.
- New states: The newest state included the in 1900 U.S. Census was Utah
- Territories included: Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Alaska, Oklahoma and Indian
- The available states include: Alabama, Alaska (unorganized), Arizona Territory, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico Territory, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma Territory, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
A few essential facts about the 1900 U.S. Census include:
Numeration date. The numeration date is June 1, 1900, with one month to complete the census, resulting in fewer people being missed than prior census periods.
President during the census. William McKinley
1900 U.S. Census importance
Remember, most of the 1890 census was destroyed by fire. The 1900 U.S. Census is critical to helping us put the family in the location. By 1900 states, counties, and communities were creating many types of source documents that you as a researcher will be able to find and search (e.g., death records, birth records, land records, state census’, etc.) to help you fill in the 20-year gap between 1880 and 1900 census. Don’t take the search for all available records lightly. You will need as many information/clues as possible to help you bridge to the next available census and resolve any research issues that may arise.
Seven schedules
Seven schedules were prepared for the 1900 U.S. Census. They included:
- Schedule 1: Population(General population)
- Schedule 2: Population ( Native Americans) – Look first for the Indian schedules at the end of the county schedule and second at the end of the state schedule.
- Schedule 3: Agriculture
- Schedule 4: Manufacturing
- Schedule 5: Mortality
- Schedule 6: Social Statistics
- Schedule 7: Crime
- Special Note: In my research to find the schedules, I learned from other research that schedules 3-7 were abstracted for their data and then destroyed.
Census privacy
The 1900 U.S. Census was ordered to keep the answers strictly private and could not share the information with anyone. This was the beginning of the 72-year privacy rule. The general public would not be allowed to view the content of the census for 72 years.
Enumerators
The following are a few interesting facts about the enumerators:
- Enumerators were more closely supervised than any previous census. For example, in the larger cities, special agents were hired to assist the census supervisor.
- Enumerators used “street books” to record their daily work.
- Enumerators used individual census slips for obtaining a correct return for any person (particularly lodgers and boarders) absent at the time of the enumerator’s visit.
- “Absent family” schedules were used for securing a complete record for any person residing within the enumeration district but temporarily absent.
Enumeration Districts. The Census Bureau set up “Enumeration Districts,” which were charted out on maps. The United States and territories were divided into 297 supervisor’s districts subdivided into 52,726 enumeration districts.
Special enumerations
There were special enumerations noted as follows:
- Enumeration of military and naval personnel (within the country and abroad) was conducted through the Departments of War and the Navy.
- Enumeration of the “Indian Territory” was carried out in cooperation with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
- Special “institution” enumerators were appointed for large institutions such as prisons, hospitals, and so forth.
Columns for month and year
This is the only census that provides columns for month and year that allows the researcher to get the age and birth date for individuals listed in the census more accurately.
Property information
This is the first census to provide details about the status of whether the property was owned, rented or mortgaged.
Marriage information
Census lists the number of years a couple was married.
Birth and death records
In 1900 most counties began to record vital records (birth and death). By 1925 vital records were recorded in all U.S. counties
Soundex
I have found the Soundex to be very helpful in searching for names that sound alike, such as Steward and Stuart but are spelled differently. It uses a numbering system for letters, which allows the name to be indexed by how it sounds and not how it is spelled. I have used Soundex for 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 United States federal censuses. If you cannot find your family through online search tools/engines, turn to the Soundex. Tools such as Ancestry.com and MyHeritage feature the Soundex for their database. The 1900 U.S. Census Soundex was prepared by the Work Projects Administration from the 1930s. Filecards contained information that was abstracted from the 1900 U.S. Census. See the article: How to Use the Soundex Coding System
Oklahoma
Oklahoma census schedules and Soundex indexes are split between Oklahoma Territory to the Northwest and Indian territory to the Southeast.
Citizens living abroad
This was the first census where U.S. citizens (e.g., Armed Forces, Government civilian employees and households)were enumerated.) The military and navy census also includes information about the servicemen:
- Name of the military, naval station, or vessel
- Company of troop, regiment, and arm of service
- Rank grade or class
- Residence in the United States
Where to find Native American Schedules
Look first for the Indian schedules at the end of the county schedule and second at the end of the state schedule. This census schedule also includes the following information:
- Indian name
- Tribe of the individual and names of their parents
- Percentage of white blood
- If married, whether living in polygamy
- Whether taxed
- Year of citizenship
- Whether citizenship was acquired by land allotment.
Dates and places
The 1900 U.S. Census is very important for providing you dates and places to search for marriage records, birth records of children, and deaths of children.
Territory of Alaska
The territory of Alaska census also includes the following information:
- Tribe and Clan
- Date of locating to Alaska
- Occupation in Alaska
- Post office address at home
First U.S. census outside of continental United States
This was the first census where the United States conducted a census outside of the continental U.S.
- American Samoa. The United States acquired American Samoa in 1900. In 1901 a census was conducted by the local government. Since 1920, American Samoa has been included in the U.S. censuses
- Guam. The United States occupied Guam in 1899. In 1901 a census was conducted and at various other times to 1920. Since 1920, Guam has been included in the U.S. Federal censuses.
- Hawaii. The U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898. The local government had taken a census every six years from 1866-1896. They were included in the 1900 U.S. Census. This census also included a request for information on the year of immigration and the number of years lived in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Panama Canal Zone. The United States took control of the Panama Canal Zone in 1904, at which time the Isthmian Canal Commission ordered a census. Another census was ordered in 1912 and at other times. The United States included the Canal Zone in its Federal censuses from 1920-1970. The Republic of Panama took complete control of the Canal Zone in 1979.
- Philippine Islands. The accession of the Philippine Islands by the United States took place in 1898. One census was taken at the direction of the Philippine Commission in 1903. Spain conducted period censuses between 1818 and 1887. In 1918 the Philippine Legislature requested a census. The Philippine Islands had Commonwealth status until 1946 until it became an independent republic as a Commonwealth period enumerations were taken after 1939.
- Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was acquired from Spain in 1898. The War Department carried out the enumeration in 1899 and has been included in the average Federal census since 1910. Puerto Rico has had U.S. commonwealth status since 1952. Spain conducted period censuses between 1765 and 1887.
How to Search and Use the 1900 U.S. Census Data
Learn how to search and use the data found in the 1900 U.S. Census. In this section of the Essential 1900 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners, you are provided a review of each group of the 1900 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 1900 U.S. Census questions. Each category provides research insights.
- Location and Dwelling Questions (Col. 1-2)
- Family Number Question (Col. 3)
- Name Question (Col. 4)
- Relationship Question (Col. 5)
- Personal Description Questions (Col. 6-10)
- Marital Status Questions (Col. 11-12)
- Mother of Children Questions (Col. 13-14)
- Place of Birth/Nativity Questions (Col. 15-17)
- Citizenship Questions (Col. 18-20)
- Occupation Questions (Col. 21-22)
- Education Questions (Col. 23-26)
- Home Questions (Col. 27-29)
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 the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 1-2) location and dwelling questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 1-2
The questions are as follows:
Col. 1: Street & House No.
Col. 2: Dwelling 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.
Cities only
The census taker recorded the following for those living in the city: Name of street, house number, dwelling number in order of visitation, and family number in order of visitation.
Top of the form
At the top of every census form, we are provided with the following information: State, county, township or division of county (e.g., township, town, precinct, district or other civil division), name of institution, ward of the city, supervisor’s district number, enumeration district number and enumeration date and enumerator.
1880-1900 U.S. Census gap
Remember, most of the 1890 census was destroyed by fire. The 1900 U.S. Census is critical to helping us put the family in the location. By 1900 states, counties, and communities were creating many types of source documents that you as a researcher will be able to find and search (e.g., death records, birth records, land records, state census’, etc.) to help you fill in the 20-year gap between 1880 and 1900 U.S. Census.
Name of street and number in urban areas
This is the first census to provide the name of the street and house number in urban areas
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 other resources
Use the location to look for resources such as churches, cemeteries, courthouses, schools, funeral homes, libraries and much more.
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 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 3) family question in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions 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 are related even when they don’t share the same name. 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 a location, I searched on known neighbors’ names to find my family. Make sure you include the names of neighbors in your family profile.
Name Question (Col. 4)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 4) name question in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 4
The question is as follows:
Col. 4: Name of each person whose place of abode on June 1, 1900, was in this family
Research tips and insights include:
Composition of the household (Col. 4)
Provides members of the household by name.
As of June 1900
List the persons who lived in the home as of June 1900.
Individual names
Individual names for those in the household.
List order
As a general format, family members are listed in the following order: husband, wife, children by age, parents, brothers, sisters, and so forth.
Death or birth after June 1, 1900
Individuals who died or the birth of children born after June 1, 1900, were not included in the census.
Migration 1880-1900 and finding records
From 1880-1900, families are on the move. Don’t be surprised if you find your family living in different locations with each census within the same county, state and region. Each place they lived will be a reason to search for records. The following is the process I have used for using the family migration patterns between 1860-1900 to research and find records. See the article,” Using 1860-1900 migration patterns to find records.”
Military records
Make sure you search all the males in our family over of 1 year old for military records associated with possible service in the U.S. Military service. Yes, you read right when I said 1 year old. Individuals who are 1 will most like be involved in WWI. The military service periods can include: Civil War (1861-1865), Indian Wars (before 1890), Spanish American War (1898). For example, by 1880, many war veterans and hires are starting to receive pensions. Search out the military records on not only your direct line but also male siblings, uncles, brothers-in-law, and cousins. I have found important information about my direct line when reviewing the pension files of extended family. See the category “Search military 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.)
Check original census
Always seek to see the images of the original census to compare against the transcription.
Search for 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 entire town, neighboring towns and county for husbands of sisters, aunts, and mothers.
Search pages before and after the listing of an individual
I have found it essential 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 genealogical/historical societies, I have often sought to find genealogists 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 to enhance my research.
Nicknames
If an individual uses a nickname, check to see if you can find the alternate names. See the articles:
- Use Naming Patterns and Nicknames in Census and Record Research
- Search 494 Male Birth Names and Associated Nicknames
- Search 582 Male Nicknames and Associated Birth Name
- Search 606 Female Birth Names and Associated Nicknames
- Search 702 Female Nicknames and Associated Birth Name
Relationship Question (Col. 5)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 5) relationship question in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 5
The questions are as follows:
Col. 5: Relation to head of family
Research tips and insights include:
Relationship (Col. 5)
The census asked for the relationship to head of household.
Family relationship titles
In this census, you will be seeing titles such as husband, wife, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, niece, nephew and so forth. When you see titles such as niece, nephew, uncle, and aunt, you will still need to investigate which side of the family they belong to. As you connect research from other census years, this will become clearer.
Nonfamily titles
If the family isn’t related to the family, you will see titles like none, hired, servant, and so forth.
Wife may not be the mother of children
Take special note of the wife as to whether she is the mother of the children. Look at age gaps between children. Is the age cap typical? For example, every two years. Are the age gaps more significant than expected? This could be a clue that there was another child or spouse that had passed away. Look at the age of the 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.
Discovering unknown surnames
The relationships column has helped discover previously unknown surnames for married daughters, mother-in-law, cousins, and other relatives living with the family.
Research all relationships
Make sure that you research all the relationships of an individual, including the siblings and their families (i.e., spouses, children), aunts and uncles, grandparents, and even cousins. As you build out the family tree, you will discover critical pieces of information about your direct line when searching extended family. For example, when I couldn’t find information about the parents of my direct line in the late 1800s, I was able to learn the information from research I did on siblings.
Personal Description Questions (Col. 6-10)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 6-10) personal description questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 6-10
The questions are as follows:
Col. 6: Color
Col. 7: Sex
Col. 8: Month of birth
Col. 9: Year of birth
Col. 10: Age at last birthday
Research tips and insights include:
Color (Col. 6)
In this census, these were the choices enumerators used for color White (W), Black (B), Chinese (Ch), Japanese (J.P.), Indian (IN). This information may help determine the person’s origins.
Sex (Col. 7)
You will either see (M) for male and (F) for female.
Month and year of birth (Col. 8-9)
This is the only census that provides columns for month and year that allows the researcher to get the age and birth date for individuals listed in the census more accurately.
Vital records
In 1900 most counties began to record vital records (birth and death). By 1925 vital records were recorded in all U.S. counties.
Finding death records
You will probably be able to find a death record for most persons living at this time.
Compare the birth-year and age that are given
Double-check to make sure the birth-year and age line up and that there are no inconsistencies. Look at other censuses and records to arrive at the correct age/birth year if you uncover a problem.
Age at last birthday (Col. 10)
This is not an exact date of birth, but it will provide a “ballpark” number that you can use to help you track the person in the next census and search for birth event records of the period.
Children under the age of 1
Children under the age of 1 were represented months as fractions, such as 1/12 meaning 1 month, 4/12 meaning for months.
Search other records
There are good chances that many individuals listed in this census did not have civil birth records. I would always check to see if there are birth records and then look for church records. Start your search for these types of records at the genealogical/historical society.
Look closely at age gaps
Look at age gaps between children. Is the age gap average? For example, every two years. Are the age gaps more significant than expected? This could be a clue that there was another child or spouse that had passed away. Look at the 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.
Children of the same age
If you find children who are the same age, don’t just assume they are twins. Make sure they are not cousins who are being raised in the same home.
Marital Status Questions (Col. 11-12)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 11-12) marital status questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 11-12
The questions are as follows:
Col. 11: Single, married, widowed, divorced
Col. 12: No. of years married
Research tips and insights include:
Marital status (Col. 11-12)
In this series of columns, we are told whether the person is single (s), married (M), widowed (Wd) or divorced (D).
- Widowed. If the person is widowed, consider looking for wills and probate records, military pensions, death event records of a spouse.
- Divorced. If the person is divorced, search court records for divorced proceedings.
- Number of years married. The 1900 U.S. Census is the first and only census to ask how many years the couples were married. Start by searching the county /state civic records where you find the family to see if the marriages were recorded. Next, search the church records of the exact location. If you see a fraction such as 4/12, it means that the couple was married four months earlier.
Return to Table of Contents for 1900 U.S. Census Questions
Mother of Children Questions (Col. 13-14)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 13-14) mother of children questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 13-14
The questions are as follows:
Col. 13: Mother of how many children
Col. 14: Number of these children living
Research tips and insights include:
Mother of how many children and living children (Col. 13-14)
The 1900 U.S. Census is also the only census to ask the number of children born to the mother and how many were still living.
Comparing children of a mother vs. living children
Carefully compare the number of children a mother has vs. those living. You will be able to identify if any children had died. Since it has been 20 years since the last real useable Federal census (1880 census), you will have to do a little more investigation to try and find the name of the missing child. First, look at the number of years the couple has been married; this will give you a time frame to begin your search. To find who the missing child/children try the following:
- Ask first if there are vital records located where your family lived and what year they began. If they exist, try searching first for death and then birth records.
- Search for church records. In the church records, search for christening, baptism, death and other related records.
- Search cemetery records. I will search for all records with the last name of the family. Don’t automatically expect the child’s grave to be with family.
- Check to see if there are school records that exist for family. This can include records such as school census and school attendance rolls.
- Check to see if the state/local census’ has been conducted for the time frame you are searching. You may find the name of the missing child listed.
Caution about marriages
Always be asking the question, “Is this a first, second, or even third marriage for either spouse?” Take special note of the wife as to whether she is the mother of the children. Look at age gaps between children. Is the age cap typical? For example, every two years. Are the age gaps more prominent than expected? This could be a clue that there was another child or spouse that had passed away. Look at the 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.
Place of Birth/Nativity Questions (Col. 15-17)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 15-17) place of birth questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 15-17
The questions are as follows:
Col. 15: Place of birth
Col. 16: Place of birth of father
Col. 17: Place of birth of mother
Research tips and insights include:
Place of birth (Col. 15-17)
This census provides the birthplace of each person along with the birthplaces for each parent.
Father and mother’s place of birth
This information is critical to helping you develop scenarios of where to search for family.
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 migration.
Numerator accuracy
Numerators only recorded the information that they were provided by the person being interviewed. For whatever reason, individuals did not provide accurate answers to this type of question because of prejudices associated with this period.
Numerator code
When the enumerator recorded place of birth, they could have used a two-letter code for a state or written the name of the state out or another abbreviation. For example, North Dakota could have been written as N.D., North Dakota.
Citizenship Questions (Col. 18-20)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 18-20) citizen questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 18-20
The questions are as follows:
Col. 18: Year of immigration to U.S.
Col. 19: No of years in U.S.
Col. 20: Naturalization
Research tips and insights include:
Citizenship (Col. 18-20)
1900 was also the first ask how long an immigrant had been in the country and whether naturalized. This will make it much easier to find records about individuals related to citizenship/naturalization, such as declarations of intent to become citizens. Look carefully whether the person has applied for citizenship or naturalized (A or A.L. – Alien; N.A. – Naturalized; N.R. – Not Reported; P.A. – First Papers Filed).
- Alien (AL). Individual is board abroad has not taken any steps toward becoming an American citizen.
- Naturalize (N.A.). Individuals have become full citizens by taking out the second or final papers of naturalization.
- First Papers (P.A.). Individual has declared the intention of becoming an American citizen.
Occupation Questions (Col. 21-22)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 21-22) citizen questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 21-22
The questions are as follows:
Col. 21: Occupation, Trade or Profession of each person ten years of age and over
Col. 22: No of months not employed
Research tips and insights include:
Occupation (Col. 21-22)
This indicates the person’s occupation and related information can help one search for employment records.
Over age 15
The occupation was recorded for persons over age 15.
Professional directories
When occupations are mentioned, search for occupational directories. Directories can list as little as a name to entire profiles of families.
Search for professional directories
When occupations are mentioned, search for occupational directories. Directories can list as little as a name to entire profiles of families.
Look carefully at the occupation/trade
Look carefully at the person’s occupation/trade and define what types of records might exist. You will see answers such as frame spinner, salesman, laborer, rivet heater, music teacher. 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 clergy member, which led them to search and find church records.
Education Questions (Col. 23-26)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 23-26) education questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 23-26
The questions are as follows:
Col. 23: Attended school (months)
Col. 24: Can read
Col. 25: Can write
Col. 26: Can speak English
Research tips and insights include:
Education (Col. 23-26)
This identifies if the person had gone to school within the year (i.e., June 2, 1899, to June 1, 1900.)This will provide clues to look for school records that can associate children with parents. Look for records such as school census.
Cannot read and write
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 the individual you are searching for. The census records said that your ancestor 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 someone who could read and write, the X should raise caution flags that this person may not be the person you are looking for.
Can speak English
If a person cannot speak English, it may be a clue that the person is an immigrant. Look closely at the census columns 18-20 as they are related to citizenship.
Home Ownership Questions (Col. 27-29)
How can I use the 1900 U.S. Census (Col. 27-29) home questions in my research?
The 1900 U.S. Census questions for columns 27-29
The questions are as follows:
Col. 27: Home owned free or mortgaged
Col. 28: Farm or house
Col. 29: Number of farm schedule
Research tips and insights include:
Homeownership (Col. 27-29)
This is the first census to provide details about the status of whether the property was owned, rented or mortgaged.
Real estate value
Real value can be an excellent clue to finding tax and land records.
[Return to Questions TOC]
[Return to Guide TOC]
How 1900 U.S. Census Can Lead to Military Records
Even though there is no information in the 1910 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. They 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, see if his pension request was denied.
- Search family photographs and artifacts. Family photographs can be an excellent source for identifying which persons were involved in which war or military conflict they may have served. It is rare for individuals serving in the military not to have their photographs in their uniforms. You may also find cards, letters, and related military memorabilia. I have also found the local newspaper to be a rich source of information about family during periods of war.
Start your search by looking for these military records:
Wars Early Indian Wars 1815-1858
Look for military records of men serving in the Early Indian Wars who are 60+ in the 1900 U.S. Census. These men would have been born before 1840.
Mexican War 1846-1848
Look for military records of men serving in the Mexican Wars who are 70+ in the 1900 U.S. Census. These men would have been born before 1832.
Civil War 1861-1865
Look for military records of men who would have served in the U.S. Civil War 50+ in the 1900 U.S. Census. These men would have been born in 1855 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 individuals lived in the Union or Confederate states, they could have very easily served in their army. Many men who were in the Union served in the Confederacy. And there were many men from the South that served in the Union Army. Make sure that you search for all male family members (i.e., father, sons, brothers, uncles, and nephews.) The Civil War enlistment card will give you clues of your ancestor’s location and place of residence. See the article: How to Find Civil War Soldier Records for Writing Narratives
Later Indian Wars (Before 1890)
Look for military records of men in the later Indian Wars who are 20+ in the 1900 U.S. Census. These men would have been born before 1880.
Spanish American War 1898
Look for military records of men serving in the Spanish American War 20+ in the 1900 U.S. Census. These men would have been born before 1880.
World War I 1917-1919
Be aware that many of the males between the ages of 1-20 in the 1900 U.S. Census will most like be involved in the future World War I. In addition, many of the males under the age of 10 years old in the 1900 census will most like be involved or register for the draft in the future World War II. See the article: How to Find WWII 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 1900 U.S. Census to Calculate the Birth Year
In Column 8 of the 1900 U.S. Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following 1900 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, 1900.
| 1900 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1900 | 28 | 1872 | 67 | 1833 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1900 | 29 | 1871 | 68 | 1832 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1900 | 30 | 1870 | 69 | 1831 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1900 | 31 | 1869 | 70 | 1830 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1900 | 32 | 1868 | 71 | 1829 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1899 | 33 | 1867 | 72 | 1828 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1899 | 34 | 1866 | 73 | 1827 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1899 | 35 | 1865 | 74 | 1826 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1899 | 36 | 1864 | 75 | 1825 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1899 | 37 | 1863 | 76 | 1824 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1899 | 38 | 1862 | 77 | 1823 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1899 | 39 | 1861 | 78 | 1822 |
| 1 | 1899 | 40 | 1860 | 79 | 1821 |
| 2 | 1898 | 41 | 1859 | 80 | 1820 |
| 3 | 1897 | 42 | 1858 | 81 | 1819 |
| 4 | 1896 | 43 | 1857 | 82 | 1818 |
| 5 | 1895 | 44 | 1856 | 83 | 1817 |
| 6 | 1894 | 45 | 1855 | 84 | 1816 |
| 7 | 1893 | 46 | 1854 | 85 | 1815 |
| 8 | 1892 | 47 | 1853 | 86 | 1814 |
| 9 | 1891 | 48 | 1852 | 87 | 1813 |
| 10 | 1890 | 49 | 1851 | 88 | 1812 |
| 11 | 1889 | 50 | 1850 | 89 | 1811 |
| 12 | 1888 | 51 | 1849 | 90 | 1810 |
| 13 | 1887 | 52 | 1848 | 91 | 1809 |
| 14 | 1886 | 53 | 1847 | 92 | 1808 |
| 15 | 1885 | 54 | 1846 | 93 | 1807 |
| 16 | 1884 | 55 | 1845 | 94 | 1806 |
| 17 | 1883 | 56 | 1844 | 95 | 1805 |
| 18 | 1882 | 57 | 1843 | 96 | 1804 |
| 19 | 1881 | 58 | 1842 | 97 | 1803 |
| 20 | 1880 | 59 | 1841 | 98 | 1802 |
| 21 | 1879 | 60 | 1840 | 99 | 1801 |
| 22 | 1878 | 61 | 1839 | 100 | 1800 |
| 23 | 1877 | 62 | 1838 | 101 | 1799 |
| 24 | 1876 | 63 | 1837 | 102 | 1798 |
| 25 | 1875 | 64 | 1836 | 103 | 1797 |
| 26 | 1874 | 65 | 1835 | 104 | 1796 |
| 27 | 1873 | 66 | 1834 | 105 | 1795 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1900 U.S. Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
131. Column 8. Age at last birthday.-The object of this question is to get the age of each person in completed years, or in the case of a child under one year, the age in completed months.
132. For each person of one year of age or over, enter the age at last birthday in whole years, omitting months and days for children who, on the first day of June 1900, were less than one year of age, enter the age in months, or twelfths of a year, thus: 3/12, 7/12, 8/12. For a child less than one-month-old, enter the age as follows: 0/12.
133. Endeavor to ascertain in each case the month and year of birth called for in column 7, but where this is impossible, get as nearly as possible the exact years of age. An answer given in round numbers, such as “about 30,” “about 45,” is likely to be wrong. In such cases, endeavor to get the exact age.
What is the 1910 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 1900 U.S. Census Guide to learn about and discover the stories of the people who lived during and before the 1900s. With the 1900 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 head of household
- Identify members of the household by name
- Identify relationships—surnames of married daughter, mother-in-law, cousins, other relatives
- Indicate that wife may not be the mother of kids
- Identify ages of individuals by name
- Begin to establish family relationships (e.g., spouse, children, siblings, parents)
- Identify people of color: White (W), Indian (I), American Indian, Black (B), Chinese (C), Japanese (J.P.)
- Begin to identify possible remarriages and step relationships
- Identify birthplace of parents-immigrant information
- Supplement birth/marriage info. Due to relationship info.
- Locate and identify birthplaces
- Identify month of birth
- Identify year of marriage
- Determine year of immigration
- Identify occupations
- Locate and identify real estate
- Find information in various schedules that include: Population, agriculture, industry and mortality
- Locate and identify a family 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
- Give clues to genetic symptoms or diseases
Questions Asked in the 1900 U.S. Census
The following are the questions found on the 1900 U.S. federal census:
LOCATION
Col. 1: Street & House No.
Col. 2: Dwelling No.
Col. 3: Family No.
NAME
Col. 4: Name of each person whose place of abode on June 1, 1900 was in this family
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
Col. 5: Relation to head of family
Col. 6: Color
Col. 7: Sex
Col. 8: Month of birth
Col. 9: Year of birth
Col. 10: Age at last birthday
Col. 11: Single, married, widowed, divorced
Col. 12: No. of years married
Col. 13: Mother of how many children
Col. 14: Number of these children living
NATIVITY
Col. 15: Place of birth
Col. 16: Place of birth of father
Col. 17: Place of birth of mother
CITIZENSHIP
Col. 18: Year of immigration to U.S.
Col. 19: No of years in U.S.
Col. 20: Naturalization
OCCUPATION
Col. 21: Occupation, Trade or Profession of each person ten years of age and over
Col. 22: No of months not employed
EDUCATION
Col. 23: Attended school (months)
Col. 24: Can read
Col. 25: Can write
Col. 26: Can speak English
HOME
Col. 27: Home owned free or mortgaged
Col. 28: Farm or house
Col. 29: Number of farm schedule
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.
