South Dakota, State Census, 1945 - FamilySearch Historical Records

This wiki article describes a collection that is scheduled to become available for free online at FamilySearch Record Search.

Collection Time Period
This information pertains to individuals recorded on the census in 1945.

Record History
In 1885 the South Dakota State Legislature mandated that a census be taken in June of that year and every 10 years thereafter. The last census was taken in 1945. The completed cards were then sent to the Secretary of State. The census covers approximately 90% of the population.

Why This Record Was Created
The state census was taken in order to enumerate the population for representation purposes.

Record Reliability
Censuses are generally reliable, depending on the knowledge of the informant and the care of the census enumerator. Information may have been given to a census taker by any member of the family or by a neighbor. Some information may therefore be incorrect.

Record Description
Population schedules are handwritten entries on preprinted cards. The cards are arranged alphabetically by surname.

Record Content
Key genealogical data found in the 1945 census include:


 * Name of individual
 * Age
 * Sex
 * Race
 * Marital status
 * If can read or write
 * Disabilities (blind, deaf, insane, etc.)
 * If foreign born, are they naturalized
 * Years in U.S.
 * Years in South Dakota
 * Occupation
 * Own or rent home or farm
 * Birthplace
 * Ancestry
 * Father’s birthplace
 * Mother’s birthplace
 * Extent of education
 * Military service with regiment
 * Maiden name of wife
 * Year married
 * Church affiliation
 * County and town of residence

How to Use the Record
Census records are the best source to quickly identify a family group and residence. Use the place of residence and the birthplace of each person along with his or her age and information about parents to search church and military records for additional information.

Related Websites
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Related Wiki Articles
South Dakota Census South Dakota Censuses South Dakota 1935 State Census

Sources of this Collection
• South Dakota. Assessor. South Dakota 1945 state census, population schedule. Digital images of originals stored in the South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, South Dakota

How to Cite Your Sources
Instructions for citing this source can be found at: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections

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