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1890 Census-The Lost Past-Work Arounds                        2017 04 01
Lesson 018...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

What's The Problem?...
If you don't already know, you'll soon become aware that there is a research block of 1890 censuses.
Newcomers may not understand, but are generally quick to find that information has vanished.

As we trace our genealogy this informational "gap" presents many inherent and ripple effects.
You'll realize that missing just a single decenial census creates an unaccounted twenty year span!

Many times persons or even families cannot be found on censuses for a variety of reasons.
If this occurs for 1880 or 1900, it can create a range that brings mortality into question.

During that amount of time, families can have many life altering changes that are left unrecorded.
It's highly possible that most persons are unaware of the magnitude of damage in lost data.

So for most, the problem becomes how to find defining information about missing years of ancestors.
As with all else, thoroughness is key, but your time depends on the importance of those members.


How Did That Happen?...
Many people who are unfamiliar with the minute details later become aware that there was "a fire".
There were in fact two seperate fires that involved them (March 1896 and January 10, 1921).
Deliberate destructions (authorized and un-authorized) occurred in 1933, 1934 and 1935.

The 1890 censuses were stacked on shelves in direct line of fire, smoke and water-And footsteps!
While 1830, 1840, 1880, 1900, and 1910 censuses were in the vault, the door was left open.
Some of those files were lost in the fire, so it may be why you have trouble in those years.

Whether or not the fires were set is anybodys guess, but destroying the remainders was inexcusable!
During that time there was an effort from genealogical society's and the public to save the records.
The census bureau was then finally formed in 1902 under the direction of William Rush Merriam.

There were several interesting things that set the 1890 Census apart from earlier versions.
Contraversy over several areas still remain to this day regarding various theory's about its fate.
In all, there were at least five known instances placing the 1890 United States Census in jeopardy.


What's Been Done To Fix This?...
We live in a society at a time when we've come to expect immediate or hastened results.
After the destruction of the records, physical reconstruction techniques are no longer possible.
Many would likely be lost anyway, but it's possible that modern techniques might have saved some.

Though we can never "go back" in time, there is solice in taking action that this not happen again.
Several needed changes have been done or put in place that represent how important our history is.
These are by no means an end-all to the new dangers that arise with each new advancing technology.

Ironically, the most important factor to preserving records was taking place during their destruction.
In May of 1921 the Census Bureau Director complained of file status and moved them for protection.
Physically, they were stored for an orderly reference at the census building, though crudely managed.

Prompting that action was the fact that despite Herbert Hoover's support, a security was not yet had.
Funding for a new building was included in The Public Buildings Act of 1926. Tragically, too late.
The censuses had endured several moves, but finally had a permanent and secure home.

The National Archives building is dedicated by design to both house and protect historical documents.
Additionally, other items such as paintings, photographs, audio and video recordings are kept.
As a final layer of protection, everyone can do their part by preserving their own copies.


Where Can We Find The Lost Data?...
We cannot. There is no way to find "lost data". If there was... It would not be lost, right?
But what we can do is to look for other places of normal recorded data to lessen the information gap!

Always start with the simplest and closest design to the Federal Census as you can-The State Census!
Not all states did them and there was certainly no uniformity. But it may place someone for you.
Check states along travel routes also. Here's a list of states and their known census years.

1890 Bonus!!-"Special Schedule.-Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines and Widows etc." Census!
Although intended for Union use only, enumerators also included many Confederates and other wars!
When soldiers had passed away their widows are listed-even if remarried-helping us find a death date!

Also see marriage, baptismal, divorce, death, property taxes, town vital records and web searches.
Stumped? Continue to do other close relatives. Often they're witnesses, co-signers, partners etc..
Information that would otherwise be considered incidental or add-on, is now the leading piece!

Though not applicable to all, the list of surviving census files is worth mentioning for research.
Only small portions from a handfull of states survived the multiple ordeals they endured.
They represent our error in judgement as to how important it is to protect history.


What Did We Learn From This?...
First and foremost, we have learned that we must be vigilant.
We must check on the practices to insure against any potential extreme events.
Those methods can also be adapted to personal use, including locked security and digital backup.

As with all endeavors of importance, they must not be left under other departments control.
Specific interested partys must be given the authority and funding to accomplish goals.
Those party's can then be praised for their efforts or held accountable for failure.

From this one instance we see that the biggest threats to records as we know them are avoidable.
The 1890 Censuses were subjected to at least seven known destructive areas to their existance.
Fire, smoke, water, trampling, mildew/rot, moving losses, and a major lack of understanding.

The early cave paintings of Mayieres, France are known for age as well as prehistoric quality.
Great care was taken for their placement in order to avoid any known damaging issues.
Because of that initial forethought and care, we have 15,000 year old messages!

Fortunately, during the most of their history they were left undiscovered by man and survived.
France now takes great care for their protection and understands their significance and magnatude.
Not all people respect that history, and these will forever be in danger by someone wishing to destroy.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Conduct your normal mode of research to see what that may yield first.
If you have data before and after 1890, look for major changes.

Second...
Find records to help narrow the missing timespan by using the lists given above.
They can confirm otherwise missing ancestors to a time and place.

Third...
Destructive forces can come in many forms, some accidental while others are deliberate.
Fire, water/moisture and man are the obvious threats to guard against.


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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