Census

According to the United States Constitution, a census is to be taken every ten years. The first census was taken in 1790. Census schedules are not released to the public until seventy-two years later. Most of the 1890 census was lost to fire and water damage before it was released; some special 1890 schedules, including Civil War veterans’ material for Kentucky, survived.

How the schedules changed

The information included varied from census to census. In 1830 and 1840, only the name of the head of household was listed. Other members of the household appeared by age group under male and female headings. Starting in 1850, each person in the household was listed by name, age, and sex. The 1860 Kentucky census often listed the country of birth.

Relationship to the head of household was listed beginning in 1880. Other information included the individual’s birthplace, each parent’s birthplace, ability to read and write, and property value. In 1900 and 1910, the census also listed the number of children born, the number living, and the number of years married.

Laurel County transcripts

Laurel County became a county in 1826, so its first federal census began in 1830. The Society said it had transcribed from microfilm each available census except 1940 and the 1900 schedule, which was transcribed by Carol Hopper. The 1850 and 1880 census books published by the Society had additional annotations gleaned from marriage, cemetery, and other family records.

Some school censuses were available in the county court clerk’s office. The Society had been transcribing them and listing them in its newsletter.

Volumes named on the old page

The catalog listed combined 1830–1840 material and separate volumes for 1850, 1860, 1870, the annotated 1880 census, 1910, two 1920 volumes, and two 1930 volumes. It also carried prices, postage, ordering directions, and a former street address. For current federal access rules and schedule background, consult the U.S. National Archives census research pages.