Using Pre-1850 Census to Find Family Relationships

Jean Nudd, ArchivistNARA Northeast Region

10 Conte DrivePittsfield, MA 01201

413-236-3604Jean.nudd@nara.gov

Genealogical Research

• First step, always, is to talk to older family members and gather information

• Family stories not always accurate

• What do we do when we can’t find vital records and family information doesn’t pan out?

• Collateral research can help break down the brick walls we all run into

Methodology

1. Collateral Lines – find your ancestor’s siblings

• Check 1850 and later census for the place where your ancestor lived, note other families with the same surname

• Check ages of heads of household for possible parents along with places of birth

• Check post-1850 census to see if elderly parents are in the sibling’s household

• Look at published genealogies, town histories, newspapers, church records, etc., to find records to confirm sibling relationships

Methodology, cont.

2. Find Your Ancestor’s Parents* Using published pre-1850 census indexes,

Ancestry.com or Heritage Quest.com, compile listings of that surname in the state where your ancestor was born. Check census depending on year of birth of your ancestor.

• Check each family and match the ages with the siblings you’ve found

• Check previous and future years to locate the family and check children’s ages

Methodology, cont.

3. Use other sources to confirm findings

Use www.familysearch.org to find microfilmed records

Check on-line sources such as USGenWeb, local historical societies, or a local library where your ancestors lived