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.


OHIO Vital Records -
Ohio law established the Bureau of Vital Statistics on December 20, 1908. On that date, the mandatory registration of birth and death certificates occurred. Since that time, all birth and death certificates have been registered through our office.

statement source -
Mark Kassouf
Assistant State Registrar/Chief Fraud Officer
Ohio Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics

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 +++