Missouri Trails To The Past
Questions Asked on the 1840 Census
As in the earlier censuses, the 1840 census still lists only the head of household by name. The rest of the family members are still broken down by age groups but the groups are broken down further, giving the researcher a much clearer picture of family members. The new category for deaf, dumb and blind persons can be a lead to research in institutions, schools and hospitals for records.
This census included a separate listing for all Revolutionary War pensioners, thus creating what you will often find online listed as the 1840 pensioners census.
For the 1840 census, the age categories were expanded again. Additionally, some social categories made their first appearance. Each head of family was listed and was asked:
The number of free White males and females, respectively:
under 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 20 years
20 to 30 years
30 to 40 years
40 to 50 years
50 to 60 years
60 to 70 years
70 to 80 years
80 to 90 years
90 to 100 years
100 years and upward
The number of slaves and free colored persons of each sex, respectively:
under 10 years
10 to 24 years
24 to 36 years
36 to 55 years
55 to 100 years
100 years and upward
The number of White persons and the number of "slaves and colored persons" who were deaf and dumb aged:
under 14 years
14 and under 25 years
25 years and upward
The number of White persons and "slaves or colored persons" who were blind, respectively
The number of White persons who were foreigners not naturalized
How many white males over 21 who cannot read and write
How many idiotic or insane whites
How many idiotic or insane slaves and free blacks
Names and ages of all Revolutionary War pensioners
This census included categories for deaf, dumb and blind persons, and aliens.
How many individuals engaged in mining, agriculture, commerce, manufacturing and trades, navigation of the oceans, navigation of the lakes, canals, and rivers, learned professions and engineering
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