Research Notes -
from Park Genealogical Books,
your specialists in genealogy and local history for Minnesota
and the surrounding area
Minnesota Non-Population Census On-line
Putting your family in context of the times helps both in writing your family history and in determining the next steps for research. Details about their property, newspapers they likely read, available churches in the area and more make them come 'alive' in a way that the bare bones birth/marriage/death information cannot. The non-population schedules of the federal census can help you do that, because of the wealth of local information they provide about the areas in which they lived.
The Federal Census Population Schedules
Most family history researchers recognize the Population Schedules for the federal census. That's where the name searches and family groups (from 1850 on) were listed. While each one lists at least the head of the household, other information can be found on them as well. Some, but not all, have age, place of birth, occupation, immigration status, ownership of a radio, etc. They are an excellent place to begin, because the census was taken every ten years from 1790 to the current day. This provides a backbone to trace family migration.
There is searchable, on-line access to these schedules, along with Minnesota's state census schedules on Ancestry.com. The Minnesota Historical Society also provides access to the state census schedules on their website.
The Non-Population Schedules
The Non-Population Schedules
Data found on the Non-Population Schedules varies as well, with not all schedules taken in every year. The different schedules include:
Mortality Schedules, 1850-1880
These schedules list those persons who died in the twelve (12) months preceding the census. The cause of death is usually given. These are available on-line, and there are often published indexes in local genealogical society newsletters.
Agricultural Schedules, 1850-1880
These are wonderful sources of information about the family farm! For 1850 and 1860, farms which produced at least $100 in value are included. For 1870 and 1880, farms has to produce at least $500 to be included. They typically include names of the farmer, number of acres cleared for cultivation, crops and livestock on the farm, equipment and more. They too are on-line, at the U.S.D.A. website.
Manufacturing and Industrial Schedules, 1850-1880
The schedules contain the names of the owners, kind of establishment, quantity and estimated value (each had to produce at least $500 in product to be included), and selected pertinent information about the businesses. Whether involved in lumbering, fishing, or mining, this kind of detail helps fill out the ordinary day for an ancestor.
Social Statistics, 1850-1880
These do not include specific names of individuals, but do provide information on churches, schools, newspapers, crime, real estate, etc. for the areas in which your ancestors lived. They can be helpful in trying to figure out which Lutheran church was in the neighborhood, or what newspaper(s) would have been in the household.
Access to the Non-Population Schedules
Statistical summaries are available for all schedules at the U.S. Census Bureau website. Their publications include information displayed in many different categories: for population schedules, by race, ethnic group, etc.; for non-population schedules, by crop, type of manufacture, etc. The information needed for the context for your family is available!
Access to the specific non-population schedules for Minnesota is through microfilm produced at the Minnesota Historical Society. There are a total of 17 reels, with reel 1-10. Agriculture schedules; reel 11-12. Manufacturing schedules; reel 13-14. Mortality schedules; reel 15-17. Social statistics schedules. Visit the library in St. Paul, or your own public library to request inter-library loan.
If you're at a blank wall and need to take a step back to evaluate other options, the non-population schedules may be the key. Take some time to browse this collection - you'll be as enthused about it as I am!
© 2009 Park Genealogical Books, Roseville MN
Park Genealogical Books
Dept. WWW
P.O. Box 130968
Roseville, MN 55113-0968
Our books are available through mail, fax or e-mail order. We accept checks, VISA, Discover and MasterCard. See our catalog.
U.S. Shipping: Add $5.00 for the first book and $.50 for each additional volume. Minnesota residents must add sales tax.
Foreign: $5 plus actual shipping costs - you choose surface or air.
Comments and questions can be directed to Park Genealogical Books
Park's home page.....Research Hints.....Minnesota Genealogical Journal.....Order blank
Forms.....Prairie Echoes Press.....Links.....F A Q.....Park Genealogical Books
© 2009 Park Genealogical Books, Roseville MN
|
