Massachusetts State Census, 1865 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
This information pertains to records created in 1865.

Record Description
The census schedules consisted of large sheets with rows and columns. The schedules were arranged by street in order of visitation.

Record Content


Genealogical information in the census:


 * Name
 * Age
 * Birthplace
 * Sex
 * Color
 * Condition (Marital status, 1865 only)
 * Occupation

How to Use the Records
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.

In the Record Search index for this collection, "household id" represents column two on the original census, which is labeled "Families numbered in the order of visitation".

Record History
In 1855 the legislature directed that a census be taken on June 1 of that year and every 10 years thereafter. The 1865 census was conducted on May 1. The census schedules were delivered to the State Secretary and eventually sent to the State Archives for safe keeping. These records cover more than 95% of the Massachusetts population.

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. Some information may have been incorrect or deliberately falsified. == Related Web Sites ==This section of the article is incomplete. You can help FamilySearch Wiki by supplying links to related websites here.

Related Wiki Articles
Massachusetts Census

Sources of Information for This Collection:
"Massachusetts State Census, 1865", database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org/). From Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts. FHL microfilm, 68 reels. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should also list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the Wiki Article: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections

Examples of Source Citations for a Record in This Collection
Massachusetts State Census, 1855. digital images, From FamilySearch Internet (www.familysearch.org: January 20,2011). Census Record of Sarah Jane Petertson, age 6, Boston, Ward 02, Suffolk, Massachusetts, film number 000953958.