There has been much written about the 1890 U.S. census. Most of this census was lost in a devastating fire at the Commerce building in 1921. Only a fragment of the population schedule survived along with some of the special schedules. This census had a different format from previous census and asked a wide range of questions that revealed interesting data.
The 1890 U.S. census was the first census to use a separate form for each family. In some cases there were multiple pages of data collection for just one family. This census was also the first to use a tabulation machine to do the actual count utilizing punch cards, a type of early computer. But the use of a tabulation machine was a source of controversy because the count was much lower than expected. Some locations were accused of fraud in bolstering population numbers.
The National Archives has some really great articles and overview of the 1890 U.S. census and the fire. FamilySearch’s Research Wiki also has a great overview of the census.
Table of Contents
Questions for the 1890 Census
The 1890 U.S. census asked detailed questions of each family and family member. The range of questions were similar to previous census, like the 1880 U.S. census. The major difference was the arrangement of the enumeration sheets shifting the data from rows to columns.
A list of the questions can be found on the FamilySearch Research Wiki. Previous censuses asked about renting or owning, but this census asked a few additional questions about mortgages and work. The special schedules asked questions of veterans and widows. The Lutheran schedule collected statistical information of Lutheran congregations.
Another unique question asked for the family’s physical address. This could be used to locate the family’s home to see if it is still standing. There was a question to ask how many children were born and how many were living. This question may help identify potentially missing family members.
Missing Records
Since most of the census is missing, it is easier to ask what is available. The surviving enumeration sheets only account for about 6,000 people. FamilySearch has the 1890 U.S. census and it has been indexed. Before doing a search, either check the FamilySearch Research Wiki or the National Archives page to see if your location is available.
Statistics
The total U.S. population increased about 25% from the previous census to about 63 million people. There were several states that had populations over 1 million people. New York was the most populous state at 6 million and the least populous was Nevada at 47,335. The most populous city was New York City, followed by Chicago and Philadelphia. Additional statistics can be found at Wikipedia.
Census Substitutes
Both Ancestry and FamilySearch have collected various indexes and collections that can be used as a census substitute. These indexes include city directories, state censuses, voter registrations, tax records, land records, and more. A closer look at each of these options would require separate blog posts to go over, but a simple search for 1890 census substitutes at Ancestry will pull up hundreds of options.
A look at David Allen
David Allen is not my personal ancestor, but he and his family are worth a look. He is one of just a handful of people listed in the surviving 1890 U.S. census. David Allen has a FamilySearch profile but it only has two sources. Adding the 1890 U.S. census as a source to this family can add some valuable insight into their lives.
David Allen was born about 1828 in either Kentucky or Georgia. The 18801 and 1890 census2 gives his birth place as Kentucky, but 19003 states Georgia. It is highly likely he was a slave based on the location and time period of his birth, though it is not clear. In 1890, he and his family are living in Perryville, Perry, Alabama. He and his wife had 12 children with 9 living, 3 boys and 6 girls. All of his children were born in Alabama after the American Civil War.
The 1890 U.S. census reveals that David Allen is a farmer and he could not read or write. His three older children are also working on the farm and they could read and write. Several of his children had attended school in the last year. The family were renting the property they were living on.
Name | Age | Sex | Birthplace | Occupation |
David Allen | 62 | M | Kentucky | Farmer |
Amanda Allen | 50 | F | Alabama | Housekeeper |
David Allen | 20 | M | Alabama | Farmhand |
Thomas Allen | 18 | M | Alabama | Farmhand |
Tempy Jane Allen | 16 | F | Alabama | Farmhand |
Lora Allen | 15 | F | Alabama | Farmhand |
Cinthia Allen | 13 | F | Alabama | At school |
Henry Allen | 9 | M | Alabama | At school |
Carrie Allen | 8 | F | Alabama | At home |
Anna Allen | 7 | F | Alabama | At home |
Lucy Allen | 5 | F | Alabama | At home |
Sources
“United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4JD-RR4 : 13 January 2022), David Allen, Summerfield, Dallas, Alabama, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm .- “United States Census, 1890”, database with images, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:V6P6-C6V : Sun Jun 25 20:49:52 UTC 2023), Entry for David Sr Allen and Amanda Allen, 1890.
- “United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9DP-FRQ : 10 March 2022), David Allen, 1900.
One response to “A good look at the 1890 U.S. Census”
[…] 1900 U.S. census shows the total U.S. population increased to 76,212,168, up about 22% from the last census count. New York City and Brooklyn were combined for a total city population of over 3 million people. New […]