US Census >> 1790 >> Census Questions

1st Federal Census ~ 1790

The 1790 census called for the name of the family head; the number of free white males of sixteen years and older; the number of free white males under sixteen; the number of free white females; the number of slaves; the number of other persons; and sometimes the town or district of residence.

The 1790 census instructed the marshals to identify, by age brackets, free white males sixteen years of age or older and those under sixteen. This was designed to determine the country's industrial and military capabilities. Additionally, the first census counted the number of free white females; all other free persons regardless of race or gender; and slaves. A twenty-dollar fine, to be split between the marshals' assistants and the government, would be levied against anyone who refused to answer the enumerator's questions.

In 1790, assistant marshals listed the name of each head of household, and asked the following questions:

• Name of Head of Household (First / Last)
• The number of free White males aged:
  • under 16 years
  • of 16 years and upward
• Number of free White females
• Number of other free persons
• Number of slaves

You might be surprised at how much information you are able to turn up in this simple set of data taken by census takers in the first census taken nationally by the United States.

Even though only the "Head of Household" is listed by name, you must take in the surrounding households as you will often find other families related to your ancestors living nearby.

Good Sense Census Tip:  When you make a new find of your ancestor in the US census, a good rule of thumb is to copy that page AND a few pages before and after it.

As you learn more about the history of your family, go back and look at the census records you previously copied for your ancestors and note the surrounding households.  Often you will see a new connection.

Learning to use census records in genealogy research is much like being a detective.  You must examine and re-examine the clues again and again.

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