Missouri Trails To The Past

Questions Asked on the 1840 Census

 

  US 1840 Census Download

 

As in the earlier censuses, the 1840 census still lists only the head of household by name. The rest of the family members are still broken down by age groups but the groups are broken down further, giving the researcher a much clearer picture of family members. The new category for deaf, dumb and blind persons can be a lead to research in institutions, schools and hospitals for records.

 

This census included a separate listing for all Revolutionary War pensioners, thus creating what you will often find online listed as the 1840 pensioners census.

 

For the 1840 census, the age categories were expanded again. Additionally, some social categories made their first appearance. Each head of family was listed and was asked:

 

The number of free White males and females, respectively:

   under 5 years
   5 to 10 years
   10 to 15 years
   15 to 20 years
   20 to 30 years
   30 to 40 years
   40 to 50 years
   50 to 60 years
   60 to 70 years
   70 to 80 years
   80 to 90 years
   90 to 100 years
   100 years and upward

 

The number of slaves and free colored persons of each sex, respectively:

   under 10 years
   10 to 24 years
   24 to 36 years
   36 to 55 years
   55 to 100 years
   100 years and upward

 

The number of White persons and the number of "slaves and colored persons" who were deaf and dumb aged:

   under 14 years
   14 and under 25 years
   25 years and upward

 

The number of White persons and "slaves or colored persons" who were blind, respectively

 

The number of White persons who were foreigners not naturalized

 

How many white males over 21 who cannot read and write

 

How many idiotic or insane whites

 

How many idiotic or insane slaves and free blacks

 

Names and ages of all Revolutionary War pensioners

 

This census included categories for deaf, dumb and blind persons, and aliens.

 

How many individuals engaged in mining, agriculture, commerce, manufacturing and trades, navigation of the oceans, navigation of the lakes, canals, and rivers, learned professions and engineering

Census Tip

Be sure to check the Revolutionary War veterans listed in this census. If you are lucky enough to find your ancestor listed there, you may be able to find military records, pension records and even search for bounty or land grants. As in the earlier censuses, the 1840 census still lists only the head of household by name.

 

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