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.
