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→Census Records (Sčítání lidu)
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The government of Austria which governed the Czech lands periodically took a census of the population for statistical purposes. The results of censuses were used to follow and regulate various aspects of society particularly taxation and conscription. | The government of Austria which governed the Czech lands periodically took a census of the population for statistical purposes. The results of censuses were used to follow and regulate various aspects of society particularly taxation and conscription. | ||
The earliest censuses were simply head counts taken for taxation purposes. The first census to record people by name was conducted in 1651. The Catholic Habsburg rulers ordered the 1651 census of the Czech lands to determine the religion of the people (Bohemia and Moravia had been predominantly Protestant prior to 1624) and the prospects of their conversion. Summaries remain of a 1702 count of all people over the age of 10. Censuses were carried out in 1754 and 1762 and revisions were to be made every few years. Counts were taken in 1770 and 1776. These lists were largely for military purposes. | The earliest censuses were simply head counts taken for taxation purposes. The first census to record people by name was conducted in 1651. The Catholic Habsburg rulers ordered the 1651 census of the Czech lands to determine the religion of the people (Bohemia and Moravia had been predominantly Protestant prior to 1624) and the prospects of their conversion. Summaries remain of a 1702 count of all people over the age of 10. Beginning in 1724 a census of Jews was periodically taken. Censuses were carried out in 1754 and 1762 and revisions were to be made every few years. Counts were taken in 1770 and 1776. These lists were largely for military purposes. | ||
The first true census was conducted in 1857. Afterward, censuses were taken in 1869, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1921, 1930, 1940, 1950, 1961, 1970, 1980, and 1991, and 2001. | The first true census was conducted in 1857. Afterward, censuses were taken in 1869, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1921, 1930, 1940, 1950, 1961, 1970, 1980, and 1991, and 2001. | ||
Some census returns, including those for the 1651 census, are kept in the archives. Some census returns, which included lists of inhabitants, have been lost. In other cases, only summary information from the censuses is available. | |||
Some census returns, including those for the 1651 census, are kept in the archives. | |||
'''Contents:''' The contents vary according to census. Some censuses list only head of household, conscription number of house, and taxable property. Many census returns of the 1800s give house number, head of household, names of members of the household (including servants), ages, occupations, religions, and relationships to head of household; some also give date and place of birth. | '''Contents:''' The contents vary according to census. Some censuses list only head of household, conscription number of house, and taxable property. Many census returns of the 1800s give house number, head of household, names of members of the household (including servants), ages, occupations, religions, and relationships to head of household; some also give date and place of birth. | ||
'''Research use:''' These records link families together into family groups and greatly supplement the research process. They are extremely valuable in locating birthplaces, and determining ages, and relationships and lead to primary vital records sources, making them very valuable for pedigree links. Each census is important by itself but each should also be used with church records and other censuses. | '''Research use:''' These records link families together into family groups and greatly supplement the research process. They are extremely valuable in locating birthplaces, and determining ages, and relationships and lead to primary vital records sources, making them very valuable for pedigree links. Each census is important by itself but each should also be used with church records and other censuses. | ||
'''Accessibility:''' Presently, census materials may be researched in person at the Czech archives | '''Accessibility:''' Presently, many census materials are available online. Some may still need to be researched in person at the Czech archives. | ||
=== Online Records === | === Online Records === | ||