NOTE -
There is a 20 yr. gap in the census records [1880 - 1900] as the 1890 census was burned in the 1920's. Add 20 yrs to everyone's 1880 age for the 1900 census.
I’m not related to any member of this family.
Census records do not record the “specific locality” of a person’s birth.
Census records only record where a person was born – state or country.
Census records record where a person was living when the census taker came by.
1940 is the last available census at this time.
Facts you should know about the early census records –
All census records [1790 – 1840] prior to the 1850 census ONLY listed the head of household; whether male or female.
NO specific age was stated for any family member
NO place of birth was stated – city, state, or country
NO city, town, or village is stated – only the county; however some census takers listed the township
NO street address was stated
NO marital status was stated – single, married, widowed, or divorced
NO family relationship was stated – brother, sister, cousin, son, daughter, wife, inlaw, etc…
NO occupation was stated
NO parental birthplaces are stated
NO race was stated [but assume “white”]
1850, 1860 & 1870 census records do not show family relationships, marital status or parental birthplaces.
Step children are not enumerated as “step” children
Adopted children are not enumerated as “adopted”
Grand children are not enumerated as “grand children”
Orphaned children were not enumerated as "orphan"
Immigration date is not recorded
1850 is the 1st census that shows all family members with their birthplaces
1880 is the 1st census that shows parental birthplaces and family relationships +++
MICH. Vital Records -
Mich. began issuing death certs. in 1867.
WI Vital records -
Our office requires a written application and fee for the search of any vital record. If a record is found, the first copy is issued at no additional fee. We do not provide any free searches or verifications.
You can find complete information on how to apply for a copy of a vital record, including how to apply if you don't have complete information (for example exact date), our application forms and fees on our website at
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/ Please review the paragraph on our home page in bold and in a box.
Also, if you go to our website, and look on the left hand margin, you will see "Genealogy Services". If you click on that link, it will show you "What are the earliest filed Wisconsin vital records?". If you click on that, it will provide you with an alphabetical listing of each county and the earliest filed record. Please keep in mind that it is estimated that less than 50% of the records were submitted for permanent filing before 1907.
Civil War Records -
Requesting Civil War – Army records
http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/military/civil-war/#mailFamilysearch.org has no Mich. marriage record for William C. Hodges.
You wrote - " (As his widow, Anna Jane Dibble Graham's family was living in Livingston, I wonder if any news of John's death would be found in Livingston.)" WHEN - WHAT census year??
There are NO Graham family members in Livingston, county MICH. in 1880.
1870 -
Name: Jane Hodges
Age in 1870: 33
Birth Year: abt 1837
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1870: Hartland, Livingston, Michigan
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Howell
W C Hodges 54, NY - farmer, married Oct. 1869
Jane Hodges 33, NY - married Oct. 1869
Josephine Hodges 15, MI
Arthur Graham 13, WI [1857]
Ella Graham 9, WI
Alfred Hodges 25, MI - works on farm
Darius Hodges 80, NY - farmer [most likely father]
Anna Jane Dibble
Birth Abt. 1835 in New York
Death 18 Dec 1875 in Fentonville, Livingston, Michigan
death record -
Name: Ann Jane Hodges
[Ann Jane Dibble]
Birth Date: abt 1835
Birth Place: New York
Death Date: 18 Dec 1875
Death Place: Fentonville, Livingston, Michigan
Death Age: 40
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Gender: Female
Father Name: Asahel Dibble