Post by Cornish Terrier on May 6, 2007 14:45:41 GMT -5
Anyone looking through this site will probably have noticed some discussion regarding Census Records.
Most of this will have been between Zenobia and myself (Cornish Terrier) although a couple of other queries have surfaced recently.
There are a number of reasons for not finding individuals, or even families, in Census records.
When looking at older records there is a 'fair' chance that the name is not spelt in the manner to which you may be accustomed.
Obviously a 'wildcard' search can be used but that will still be limited - 'to a degree'!
e.g. Zenobia recently found one of the Trewhella families in a US Census and the name appeared as 'DREWLEE'!
Remember that, in many (if not most) cases we are initially lookiing at transcriptions of these records.
From experience I know how difficult it can be to read some of these old documents and you need lots and lots of practice to even get close with some items contained therein.
BUT there are numerous reasons (other than the above) for not finding the people you seek in Census Records.
He, she, or they, may be in transit to another destination or (possibly) have left where they were for home on the night of the Census. In this case it is very possible that they may not have been enumerated.
In some cases you will find that, particularly males, were 'fishermen' or 'mariner's and may well have been 'at sea' at the time the Census was taken.
Often iin these cases you will see the 'wife and family' in the Census with the wife shown as 'married' but no sign of husband.
In other 'similar' cases, particularly during the 1800's the missing husband can turn up in a US Census at about the same time whilst his family is at home in Cornwall without him.
AND I will now cite what could be a 'classic' case of non-recordance in the Census!
I rent the property I currently live at which should make no difference in the scheme of the Census.
About a year ago the Australian Census was held and the practice is that the Census Collectors visit each household to deliver the Census Forms.
If they do not find the resident at home there is a notification letter left for the resident to advise them of the Census and options are given about how to acquire and fill in the form.
Well - in my case - I never had a 'tap at the door', now Form left in the letter box, no follow up calls or anything that one might expect.
SO - should Australia decide to release any of their Census records things could become interesting for people in the future.
e.g. - Let us say that this recent Census is due for public release in 2107 and people are interested in finding my whereabouts in 2007 - they may have a problem.
I was not enumerated in 2006/7!
When looking at these types of records please consider all of the above and try to think of all possible options in your research that may enable you to find what you seek.
Sometimes it is extremely difficult but there is often going to be something recorded somewhere to help you!
Keep pursuing this site and read all because any new (or older) member is able to learn something and we are here to help that happen.
Good Hunting,
Cornish Terrier
Most of this will have been between Zenobia and myself (Cornish Terrier) although a couple of other queries have surfaced recently.
There are a number of reasons for not finding individuals, or even families, in Census records.
When looking at older records there is a 'fair' chance that the name is not spelt in the manner to which you may be accustomed.
Obviously a 'wildcard' search can be used but that will still be limited - 'to a degree'!
e.g. Zenobia recently found one of the Trewhella families in a US Census and the name appeared as 'DREWLEE'!
Remember that, in many (if not most) cases we are initially lookiing at transcriptions of these records.
From experience I know how difficult it can be to read some of these old documents and you need lots and lots of practice to even get close with some items contained therein.
BUT there are numerous reasons (other than the above) for not finding the people you seek in Census Records.
He, she, or they, may be in transit to another destination or (possibly) have left where they were for home on the night of the Census. In this case it is very possible that they may not have been enumerated.
In some cases you will find that, particularly males, were 'fishermen' or 'mariner's and may well have been 'at sea' at the time the Census was taken.
Often iin these cases you will see the 'wife and family' in the Census with the wife shown as 'married' but no sign of husband.
In other 'similar' cases, particularly during the 1800's the missing husband can turn up in a US Census at about the same time whilst his family is at home in Cornwall without him.
AND I will now cite what could be a 'classic' case of non-recordance in the Census!
I rent the property I currently live at which should make no difference in the scheme of the Census.
About a year ago the Australian Census was held and the practice is that the Census Collectors visit each household to deliver the Census Forms.
If they do not find the resident at home there is a notification letter left for the resident to advise them of the Census and options are given about how to acquire and fill in the form.
Well - in my case - I never had a 'tap at the door', now Form left in the letter box, no follow up calls or anything that one might expect.
SO - should Australia decide to release any of their Census records things could become interesting for people in the future.
e.g. - Let us say that this recent Census is due for public release in 2107 and people are interested in finding my whereabouts in 2007 - they may have a problem.
I was not enumerated in 2006/7!
When looking at these types of records please consider all of the above and try to think of all possible options in your research that may enable you to find what you seek.
Sometimes it is extremely difficult but there is often going to be something recorded somewhere to help you!
Keep pursuing this site and read all because any new (or older) member is able to learn something and we are here to help that happen.
Good Hunting,
Cornish Terrier