The 1860 census was begun on 1 June 1860. The
enumeration was to be completed within five months.
Questions Asked in the 1860 Census
For all free
persons, the census asked: name; age; sex; color; occupation of persons over age
fifteen; value of real estate; value of personal estate; name of state,
territory, or country of birth; whether the person was married during the year;
and whether the person was deaf-mute, blind, insane, an “idiot,” a pauper, or a
convict.
The information in the slave schedules is the same as those for 1850.
Other Significant Facts about the 1860
Census
The 1860 census was the first to ask those being queried to
reveal the value of their personal estates. As enumerations of districts were
completed, enumerators were instructed to make two copies: one to be filed with
the clerk of the county court, one to be sent to the secretary of the state or
territory, and the third to be sent to the Census Office for tabulation.
The birthplaces of individuals were to be specific as to the state or
territory in the United States and the country of birth if foreign born. For
example, designations of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and the German
states of Prussia, Baden, Bavaria, Württemberg, and Hesse-Darmstadt were
preferred to Great Britain and Germany.
Research Tips for the 1860 Census
Research
strategies remain the same as those suggested for the 1850 census because
information included in the 1850 and 1860 schedules is essentially the same,
except for the addition of a question concerning personal estates. While the
added column may be a general indicator of a person’s assets, it is doubtful
that individuals were likely to disclose true figures for fear of being taxed
accordingly.
