Census Records
Census records provide a wealth of information about individuals and their lives. The details vary depending on the year of the census, with later censuses containing more information. Examples of information that can be included in a census are:
- Family members’ names
- Relationship to head of household
- Birthplaces
- Age
- Marital status
- Occupations
- Citizenship status
- Literacy
- School attendance
Federal Census
The Federal Census was taken every ten years beginning in 1790. Census records created by the federal government are restricted for 72 years, with available records spanning from 1790-1950.
State Census
In addition to the federal census, individual states prepared census records, often for the purpose of gaining statehood status. Generally, state census records were taken in years ending in 5.
'Indian' Census Rolls
"Indian" census rolls are not comprehensive as they only counted registered tribe members. These records are arranged by tribe name and then alphabetically by surname and include:
- Names
- Relationships
- Place of residence
- Blood quantum
Accuracy & Completeness
Not everyone is listed on a census. The census taker might have missed people or found no one at home after repeated attempts. The information recorded is not always accurate, as it was reported by individuals without proof and often with language barriers. In some cases, neighbors or young children provided the responses.
Census takers also counted people in jails, convents, orphanages, hospitals, insane asylums, poorhouses, etc.
Searching Census Records
To find individuals on a census, you can search census indexes by year on Ancestry.com (if you subscribe) or FamilySearch.org. The Archives subscribes to the Library edition of Ancestry, accessible from any UW-Green Bay Library computer. Campus employees or students can access the Ancestry database off-campus by logging in with campus credentials.
If you cannot locate your ancestor in a census index but know their location during a certain time period, it is worth searching that town’s entire census page-by-page. Handwriting is often misinterpreted when indexed, but you may recognize names yourself.
Census Records at the Archives
You can view the following census records at the UW-Green Bay Archives. If you would like us to conduct research in census records, please complete an online research request form.
| Census Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Federal | 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890*, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950 |
| State | 1836, 1838, 1842, 1846, 1847, 1855, 1865**, 1875, 1885, 1895, 1905 |
| "Indian" Census Rolls | Menominee, Oneida, Stockbridge and Munsee Tribes 1885-1942 |
*Most of the 1890 census was destroyed by fire. Only a portion for Wisconsin containing the Civil War veterans and their widows remains.
**Abstract only - 1865 Wisconsin Census doesn't list individual names of people in the household, only the number of males and females.
Lost in Census Records?
Census records can be a lot to get through, but it's so exciting when you find something. If you need more detailed help, contact us for expert guidance on accessing these resources.