The 1880 census
was begun on 1 June 1880. The enumeration was to be completed within
thirty days, or two weeks for communities with populations of 10,000 or
more.
Questions Asked in the
1880 Census
For each person in every household, the census asked name; whether white,
black, mulatto, Indian, or Chinese; sex; age; month of birth if born
within the year; relationship to the head of the household; whether
single, married, widowed, or divorced; whether married within the year;
occupation and months unemployed; name of state, territory, or country of
birth; parents’ birthplaces; school attendance within the year; whether
unable to read if age ten or older; and whether sick or temporarily
disabled on the day of enumeration and the reason therefore. Those who
were blind, deaf-mute, “idiotic,” insane, or permanently disabled were
also indicated as such.
Other Significant Facts
about the 1880 Census
In addition to identifying the state, county, and other subdivisions, the
1880 census was the first to provide the name of the street and house
number for urban households. The 1880 census was also the first to
identify relationship to the head of household; illness or disability at
the time the census was taken; marital status; number of months unemployed
during the year; and the state or country of birth of every individual’s
father and mother. Individuals who were born or died after 1 June 1880
were not to be included in the 1880 census, even though the enumerator may
not have questioned them until well after that date. Indians not taxed are
not in regular population schedules. Some may appear in special Indian
schedules.
Research Tips for the
1880 Census
The 1880 census makes it possible to identify the state or country of
birth for parents—especially important for tracing movements of immigrant
ancestors. The census may be used to supplement birth or marriage records
for the census year or even to partially replace them where vital records
are not recorded elsewhere. The census may also be useful in discovering
previously unknown surnames of married daughters, mothers-in-law, cousins,
and other relatives living with the family. This is the first census to
state relationship to the head of household, but the wife may not be the
mother of the children. The 1880 census may also provide clues to genetic
symptoms and diseases in earlier generations of a family.
