Where to Find 1890 US Census Substitutes
State & Special Censuses, Tax Lists, Voter Rolls, City Directories
Nov 7, 2009
Genealogists rely on census records to find ancestors in family groups. The destruction by fire of the 1890 US Federal Census in 1921 leaves a large gap in genealogical records, but it is possible to use other sources as census substitutes.
1890 Census of Union Veterans and Widows
One primary substitute for the 1890 federal census is the special census that was taken at the same time, listing all Civil War Union veterans or their widows. Some Confederate veterans were mistakenly included as well.
This special census lists the veteran’s name, widow’s name, address, unit and enlistment dates, and any disabilities. It not only provides a location for the family in 1890, but may lead to a veteran’s or widow’s pension which has detailed information.
Unfortunately, much of this census was lost in the fire as well. Remaining census returns include Washington DC, half of Kentucky, and states from Louisiana to Wyoming alphabetically.
State Census Schedules
Many states and territories took their own censuses between the federal census years. Because these censuses were taken for a number of purposes, the records vary in the amount of genealogical information included. They may be similar to federal censuses, or may focus on school needs, military strength, or minority migration. According to The Source (Szucs & Luebking, Ancestry 1997), the following states and territories took full or partial censuses between 1880 and 1900:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Voter Registration and Tax Rolls
Tax rolls, for both real estate and personal property, can be used to confirm that an ancestor lived in a particular location. Voter registration lists will not only confirm residence, but may list birth date and place as well.
City Directories
Many cities and towns (even small ones) compiled directories of their residents and businesses. City directories will give addresses for the head of household and other adult workers, and will often list the name of the owner of a business. African-Americans were included, but are sometimes in a different section of the directory.
Land Records
Records of land purchases, sales, and other transfers are excellent sources for placing a family in time and location. However, genealogists usually use census records to show them where to look for land records. If an ancestor’s location in 1880 is already known, though, land records can verify that family members remained in the area. Tracking how and when land changed hands can give clues to deaths or marriages as well as migration.
Where to Find 1890 US Census Substitutes
State censuses and the 1890 Veteran’s Census are available on microfilm through NARA, local LDS Family History Centers, and at larger genealogy libraries. State and local libraries and historical societies will have copies of city directories and sources such as voter lists and tax rolls. Genealogists who are not local may need to write to a historical society or paid researcher for look-ups.
Ancestry.com is compiling an 1890 Census Substitute Database, available to subscribing members. It is a collection of the surviving census fragments, state censuses, special veterans censuses, Native American tribal censuses, voter registration lists, city and county directories, and alumni and church directories. The documents already digitized by Ancestry are in the collection now, and the company is actively adding material with the help of NARA and the Allen County (Indiana) Public Library.
Genealogists who spend some time and effort bridging the gap left by the destruction of the 1890 US Census will find research clues to continue their family history. For information on other years of US Censuses, read Find Family Ancestry in the US Federal Census Records.
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