2020 Census and Census of Yesterday

It's here...the family has received the United States Census 2020. Knowing the importance of the Census and what it means, I didn't hesitate in processing our information online within seconds of opening the envelope. 

Completed and recorded

Being a genealogist and a researcher of family roots, records, and history - having this information captured for future generations is vital. 

Why is it so important to Genealogists? Did you know the Census military, passenger, and immigration records provide vital information such as birth, marriage, and death dates and places? They also may provide the names of parents, siblings, children, locations of birth, marriage, and death, and much more. When an individual is attempting to build their family trees and roots out, having this information at their fingertips is priceless! 

Since 1790 - every 10 years, the U.S. has conducted a federal census. Although the Census is not unique to the federal government, sometimes, states conducted their own. The original purpose of having the Census records was totally up all the people who lived in and through the United States and recording basic information such as age, sex, and race. These records also captured who was living in the homes at the time and their birth states. Our founding fathers thought this information was so vital, they mandated it to be part of the Constitution. 

Today, the Census falls under the 72-year rule. What that means is the U.S. Census Bureau will only release a census 72 years after it was taken. That is why the public can currently only access the 1790-1940 Census records. The next Census to be released will be the 1950 Census and that isn't going to happen until April 2022. 

To a genealogist, this is quite frustrating at times. Why? Because we are researching not only our ancestors from Centuries and generations of yesterday but more recent times. I understand the importance of anonymity and privacy, but sometimes - these records can provide useful information when it comes to an individual or individuals.  

I remember setting in the living room as a young child and someone being there taking this basic information from my mom or dad. (I can't recall though when the last time was that I filled one of these out as an adult!?) 

It's funny though because trying to decipher many of the old Census of yesterday - with the different handwritings of the people who captured this information - sometimes it's a crapshoot trying to figure out what the information says. For example - let's take a name...if the father's name was Samuel, Samu'l (on the census), they had a son named Samu'l and then a daughter living in the home also had a son named Samu'l - if there weren't approximate ages in the record - one would scratch their head trying to figure out 'who' exactly is Samuel! Other information that can be useful from the Census records are neighbors or other families living in the area. Many times, these were hired hands or even family members of the main family. I can't tell you how many times I've been researching a family line and looking at a Census - stumble upon someone else in my family tree that I hadn't even begun to work. It's awesome to find these morsels when I'm not looking for them...and at the same time, it can be overwhelming. The research never ends...one thing leads to another and sometimes, can even take a person down the proverbial rabbit hole! 

1860 Census, Panola County, TX

Here is an example of research that I'm currently working on with regards to my Martin lines. In this census of 1860, Daniel Martin, Ark. and his family are recorded. Directly underneath Daniel in another household, is the name of Lucious Martin, who looks like to be born in Misp (MS). I have no idea who this family is...are they related to Daniel and if so, how? What brought him from Mississippi to Panola County, Texas before this time? This is the type of information that genealogist seeks. There is a wealth of information found in these records. 

I know today, many people are worried and concerned about 'big brother' getting our private information and are funny about giving it freely away. We can rest assured though with the 72-year rule in place - it won't matter. I don't know about you, but I won't be around in 72 years to care...! 

Have you received your Census in the mail? Have you filled it out? If not...I'd encourage you to do so...what do you have to lose? Family history for future generations to come...

Have a wonderful day...!

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020