The 1880 US Federal Census provides many genealogy clues we can use to grow our family tree in our family history research. Learn how to find all the clues about your ancestors in this great genealogical source.
Watch This Episode, or Continue Reading Below
What is the Federal Census?
The U.S. Government began taking a census of each person living within its boundaries every 10 years starting in 1790. The census helps the government determine the population of each state, as well as other statistics used for a variety of government purposes. In this case, we are covering the genealogy clues available in the population portion of the census schedules.
Each census year, the questions were a little different. See all the questions asked in the 1880 U.S. Federal Census here: https://www.census.gov/history/www/through_the_decades/index_of_questions/1880_1.html
The 1880 Census Sample Page
In this video, we examine the family and household of John W. Farnsworth, enumerated in Mount Pleasant, Sanpete, Utah. Below is the full census page. Please watch the video for the full details.
Citation for this census:
“United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNSK-1JC : 15 July 2017), John W Farnsworth in entry for Mary J Farnsworth, 1880; citing enumeration district ED 62, sheet 353A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d), roll 1337; FHL microfilm 1,255,337.
Link to this exact record:
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNSK-1JC
What is the most interesting clue you have found in the 1880 U.S. Federal Census for your ancestors?
See you next time,
Melissa