A good look at the 1880 U.S. Census

The 1880 U.S. census had a lot of similarities to the previous census of 1870 by asking similar types of questions. There were a few significant improvements that provide a lot of information to family historians about how the members of the household are related to each other. This census tracked population, mortality, agriculture, manufacturing, and social statistics.

The first significant improvement was the question that asked about the relationship to the head of household. This question gives a much more clear understanding of the members of the household and the researcher no longer has to guess.

The next significant improvement was asking for the birth location of each individual and their parents. This question can provide clues of an individual’s origins and give the researcher a new place to look.

This census was the first that allowed women to be enumerators. It also gave a deadline to complete the census based on the population to be counted in a community. (Wikipedia)

Questions for the 1880 U.S. Census

Many of the questions asked on the 1880 U.S. census are similar to the 1870 U.S. census. As stated previously, the relationship to the head of household and birth locations are important. Other questions can provide insight. For example the disability question asks the enumerator to specify the disability. There are additional questions about marriage and education. The FamilySearch Wiki page for the 1880 U.S. census details the questions.

1880 Census form
This blank form is from the National Archives.
  • Name
  • Race: (white (W), black (B), Chinese (C), Indian (I), mulatto (M)
  • Month of birth if born within year
  • Relationship to head of household
  • Single, married, widowed, divorced
  • Married within year
  • Occupation/months unemployed
  • Birthplace
  • Parents’ birthplace
  • School attendance within year
  • Whether unable to read if age 10+
  • Sick or temporarily disabled when enumerated and reason
  • Blind, deaf-mute, idiotic, insane or permanently disabled

Missing Records

All the states that existed in 1880 were included in the census. There is no census data for the state of Oklahoma. There were a few counties that were missing from various states. The missing schedules for the 5 boroughs of New York City is also significant. The FamilySearch Wiki page for the 1880 U.S. census lists the areas that are missing:

  • Kentucky = Crittenden County
  • Michigan = Oscoda and Sanilac Counties
  • Missouri = St. Louis
  • New York = Bronx and Madison and Tioga Counties, New York City (includes all 5 boroughs, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Kings)
  • North Carolina = Guilford County
  • Ohio = Allen County
  • Oklahoma
  • Utah = Rich County
  • Virginia= Henrico and York Counties

Statistics

The total population increased 30% to 50,189,209. The most populous state was New York and the least populous state was Nevada. The most populous city was New York City with 1,206,299. Additional statistics can be found at the Wikipedia page for the 1880 U.S. Census.

A last look at Colby Ross

The 1880 U.S. census1 is the last census that we find Colby Ross. We have previously looked at Colby Ross in the 1840, 1850, and 1860 U.S. censuses. This census was taken just two years before Colby Ross died in 1882.

The 1880 U.S. Census that shows Colby Ross living with his stepson.
The 1880 U.S. Census that shows Colby Ross living with his stepson.

By 1880, Colby Ross is about 80 years old which would place his birth year about 1800. His birth year has ranged between 1800 to 1813 based on various reported ages in previous census records. Colby and his wife Tabitha are living with his stepson Mike C. Reed.

We also learn two clues about Colby Ross’ parents. His father was born in Georgia and his mother was born in North Carolina. His parents are currently unknown, but this information gives us two places to look for his parents. Likely, Colby’s father traveled from Georgia to North Carolina and married his mother in North Carolina. Colby Ross was born in North Carolina. From there, the family likely migrated to Tennessee. It may be possible to find out more about Colby’s parents, though the time period presents a challenge for records.

There is another note about Colby Ross in the 1880 U.S. Census. It clearly states that he is disabled due to paralysis. Since we could not find Colby in the 1866 Alabama State Census or the 1870 U.S. Census, it is not possible to know how long he was disabled. Was this injury due to the Civil War? It is curious.

From what we can tell, none of Colby Ross’s biological children survived him. He did have some descendants through his daughter Cynthia Ann, so it may be possible to use DNA to establish connections. A DNA study would be limited due to a limited number of descendants.

We also do not know what happened to Colby Ross’s land. Did he sell it or give it away? Did he lose it in the Civil War? Did Mike C. Reed, his stepson, take over the property. I have been unable to find any land records to answer those questions.

Sources

  1. 1860 U.S. Census, Limestone County, Alabama, population schedule, District No. 2, Athens Post Office, p. 22 (penned), dwelling 158, family 158, Colby Ross household; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 29 January 2023); citing NARA microfilm publication M653.
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