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Archiver > HACKETT > 1998-10 > 0908489420


From: "Elizabeth W. Knowlton" <>
Subject: [HACKETT-L] Phrase of the Week-Census Info
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 18:10:20 -0400


Mark That was a great post

>After great frustration trying to find any ancestors of my my
Grandfather Raymond E. Hackett, I discovered the following in the census
microfilm at the National Archives in East Point, Georgia in June of
this year:
My Great Grandfather and family:
Ohio 1900 census, Darke County<

not just because of the info you posted but because you illustrated what I
get hoarse saying--there is nothing like the US census for producing
INCLUSIVE records, not just something from someone's tree, not just one of
your surnames, not something someone decided to post on the net, not one
transcription of a cemetery's records--but a bona fide attempt [probably
95% inclusive or more] to document EVERYONE in the US for a particular
year.

And to follow it up, there are many places to do census research in
this country. Mark did Ohio research here in Georgia, for instance. It
would really help if someone would post some census sites--ones that list
the locations of the Natl Archives branches, ones that tell what each
census gives you, ones that tell how to use the census. I have seen these
on line but have not noted the sites as I know the stuff already. In
addition to the Natl Archives branches there are many places in each state
with at least part of the US census, usually for the region.
Someday, the whole census and all the indexes will be on-line. I
agree that is great. But why sit there waiting when for the majority of us
we can get out a bit and do the research? Even if you check and find out
you have to travel to another state to do it, it is fun, an adventure.
Every day people fly to Cancun, Hawaii, Australia, etc. for "vacations"
that cost just as much or more than taking a genie trip you would probably
enjoy much more.
Mark has experienced that electric shock of recognition that we all
feel when we find "our" person on an original record all by ourselves.
There is nothing like it. Glad to answer any questions.
But, oh, Mark, alas, you have found out that your ancestor came
from Ireland. Your troubles are just beginning. :>} Don't even think
about it until you have exhausted the US records. Just pray that the old
folks left obituaries.
Elizabeth W. Knowlton

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