Massachusetts State Census, 1855 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
This census was taken beginning June 1, 1855.

Record History
In 1855 the legislature directed that a census be taken on June 1 of that year and every 10 years thereafter. The census schedules were delivered to the State Secretary and eventually sent to the State Archives for safe keeping. The census schedules are well preserved at the Massachusetts State Archives and they have been microfilmed.

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

Record Reliability
Censuses are usually 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.

Record Description
The census schedules consisted of large sheets with rows and columns. The schedules were arranged by street in order of visitation. The census schedules are well preserved at the Massachusetts State Archives and they have been microfilmed.

Record Content
Genealogical information in the census:


 * Name
 * Age
 * Birthplace
 * Sex
 * Color
 * Condition
 * Occupation

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 for each person along with his or her age to search for other record types. The census identifies other persons in the household. The census may identify persons for whom other records do not exist.

Related Websites
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Related Wiki Articles
Massachusetts Census

Sources of This Collection
"Massachusetts State Census, 1855", database, Family Search; from Massachusetts. Secretary of the Commonwealth. "Massachusetts State Census, 1855-1865" Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts. FHL microfilm, 68 reels. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

How to Cite Your Sources
An example of citing these records is: Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts. Census page. From FamilySearch Internet (www.familysearch.org), April 23, 2010. Thomas Romney, male, 19, residence: Ware, Hampshire, Massachusetts, image number 00181.

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