UW-Parkside Library > Archives > Census Records
Census Records
Few resources can match census records for specific information on a family or household, and consequently they can often serve as a framework or foundation for other genealogical research. UW-Parkside’s collection of census records consists of more than 1,200 reels of federal, state and territorial census and indexes for Wisconsin.Federal, State and Territorial Census records available in our reading room:
| Federal Census | Territorial Census | ||||
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1820 | |
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1836 Milwaukee Index |
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1830 | |
1838 Racine | ||
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1840 | |
1842 Racine | ||
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1850 | |
1846 Racine (Summary Only) | ||
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1860 | |
1847 Racine | ||
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1870 | ||||
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1880 | State Census | |||
| 1855: Kenosha Portion |
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1900 | 1875 | |||
| 1910 | 1885 | ||||
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1920 | 1895 | |||
| 1930 | |
1905 |
On-site microfilm index available
Portions available as .pdf copy online - click to view. Reader available at: http://www.adobe.com/
Additional Resources and Considerations for Genealogists & Historians:
WHS Overview of the Federal, State and Canadian Censuses
http://wisconsinhistory.org/genealogy/census/
The WHS has composed a brief description of the Federal, State and Canadian Censuses that details what information was recorded, how information was arranged, and what special schedules are included on each census. Here, the WHS also suggests search strategies, valuable resources and key points to consider.
Resources available at your local Public Library:
You may wish to consult your local public library as many libraries across the country now provide online access to census records & indexes via Ancestry and/or Heritage Quest.
Noteworthy Considerations:
When working with census records it is important to bear in mind that there are different “versions” of the same census. The “master” census is maintained by the National Archives in Washington, D.C., but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the advent of photocopying, each state would receive a transcription of their state’s census data. Consequently the pagination may vary between “different” versions of the same census and human error in copying the data may result in some variations in content as well.State and territorial censuses were designed to supplement the federal censuses. Their data is not nearly as detailed as the federal census data is, and only the 1905 Wisconsin census includes the name of every member of a household, but they do help genealogists locate ancestors in between the decade long intervals of the federal census. The 1885 and 1895 Wisconsin state census records are particularly valuable since there is no 1890 federal census for Wisconsin. Wisconsin stopped compiling a state census after the 1905 survey was completed.
If you are unable to visit our facility, we will be happy to provide you with copies of records located in our office: Please contact us with your request. It is helpful if you list your subject's name, location and dates of milestones.
