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Massachusetts Census Information

Massachusetts Federal census records

Massachusetts Federal Census Records include: 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940.

Massachusetts Mortality Schedules include census years 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880.

1890 Massachusetts Federal Census Records were completely destroyed in a 1921 warehouse fire, however the 1890 Massachusetts Veterans and Widows census schedules did survive.

Soundex Indexes for Massachusetts census records are available on microfilm for census years: 1880, 1900, 1920.

Massachusetts State census records

Massachusetts State census records were taken every ten years from 1855 to 1945, but only the original population schedules for the 1855 and 1865 census still exist. All other Massachusetts state census years are lost or destroyed.

The originals, as well as microfilmed copies of the 1855 and 1865 Massachusetts State Census, are now located at the Massachusetts Archives.

Both state series have similar information as the 1850 and 1860 federal census. In addition, both the 1855 and 1865 state census records contain categories for deaf, dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict. The 1865 also has information about whether a man is over the age of 16 and owns taxable property. It also has recorded columns for a legal voter or a naturalized voter.


Massachusetts Substitute Census Records:

Massachusetts Tax Valuation Lists are one of the most valuable, and most often neglected sources of genealogical information and prove to be a great census substitute. They usually divulge the names of heads of households and other males aged 16 or over and can be used to prove parentage when no other records are available. Tax lists place individuals in a particular place at a particular time and indicate the type and amount of property owned. See The Beginner's Guide to Using Tax Lists.


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Statewide Massachusetts Census Records


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