87
edits
Updated information to include 1921 census
m (Text replacement - "[fF]amily([\s_])[hH]istory[\s_]([cC])enter" to "FamilySearch$1$2enter") |
(Updated information to include 1921 census) |
||
| Line 90: | Line 90: | ||
A census is a statistical count and description of the population of a country taken for the purpose of accurate government representation, tax collection, and military purposes. Census records are a valuable source of genealogical information for Scotland because they list names, relationships, ages, places of birth, and marital statuses. <br> | A census is a statistical count and description of the population of a country taken for the purpose of accurate government representation, tax collection, and military purposes. Census records are a valuable source of genealogical information for Scotland because they list names, relationships, ages, places of birth, and marital statuses. <br> | ||
The Scottish government has taken a census every ten years since 1801 except in 1941 (due to WWII). The censuses before 1841 were taken strictly for statistical purposes. Starting in 1841, the census began listing valuable genealogical information, such as listing people by name. Census records are released 100 years after they are taken, meaning the 1921 census | The Scottish government has taken a census every ten years since 1801 except in 1941 (due to WWII). The censuses before 1841 were taken strictly for statistical purposes. Starting in 1841, the census began listing valuable genealogical information, such as listing people by name. Census records are released 100 years after they are taken, meaning the 1921 census was released to the public in 2021. Currently, the censuses from 1841 to 1921 are available for public use. Census records are one of the best ways to locate ancestors at a given place and time. | ||
Although the 1841 census is of great genealogical value, it has some limitations. The census did not list relationships, marital status | Although the 1841 census is of great genealogical value, it has some limitations. The census did not list relationships, marital status or birth county, and ages were rounded. The 1851 and subsequent censuses provide more detailed and accurate information, making it easier to find family members. | ||
==Understanding the Census== | ==Understanding the Census== | ||
| Line 100: | Line 100: | ||
[[Image:Oban Bothy - geograph.org.uk - 1047718.jpg|right|350x250px]] | [[Image:Oban Bothy - geograph.org.uk - 1047718.jpg|right|350x250px]] | ||
|} | |} | ||
With each census in Scotland, pre-printed forms (known as schedules) were used. Census takers (enumerators) would hand these forms to the head of household, who would then fill out the form for their family. They were instructed to list only those persons who spent the night in the household when the census was taken. Therefore, people who were traveling, at boarding schools, or working away from home were not listed with the family, but were listed where they spent that night. For example, night watchmen are often listed at their employer’s business address rather than with their families. After the head of household filled out the form, the enumerator would copy this data into census books for the parish or registration district. As a result, names are spelled as the family spelled them at the time. | With each census in Scotland, pre-printed forms (known as schedules) were used. Census takers (enumerators) would hand these forms to the head of household, who would then fill out the form for their family. If the head of household was illiterate, the enumerator would fill out the form for them. They were instructed to list only those persons who spent the night in the household when the census was taken. Therefore, people who were traveling, at boarding schools, or working away from home were not listed with the family, but were listed where they spent that night. For example, night watchmen are often listed at their employer’s business address rather than with their families. After the head of household filled out the form, the enumerator would copy this data into census books for the parish or registration district. As a result, names are spelled as the family spelled them at the time or as the enumerator heard them. | ||
The dates of each census are as follows: | The dates of each census are as follows: | ||
| Line 143: | Line 143: | ||
*occupations | *occupations | ||
*relationships to the head of the household | *relationships to the head of the household | ||
*parish and county of birth (except foreign births, which give country only) of each member of the household<br><br> | *parish and county of birth (except foreign births, which give country only) of each member of the household | ||
'''1911''' | |||
The 1911 includes all of the previously recorded information but adds the following questions for married women only: | |||
* Number of years completed in current marriage | |||
* Number of children born alive | |||
* Number of children currently living<br><br> | |||
'''Census Questions'''<br> | '''Census Questions'''<br> | ||