Family Census History

I like finding patterns in evidence, so I'm always looking for ways to view the evidence in family or neighborhood context.

• This report refers to a family, so one instinctively thinks of the Family Group Sheet report. Although other report formats are possible, using the Family Group Sheet is the easiest option.
• The information to be printed should include all census events, as well as birth and death events to make sure all relevant censuses have been found.
• Sources should be added as Endnotes if you intend to make a hard copy of the report. If sources are embedded, the table is harder to read.
• Appearance is automatic with this report: event label, date, place. Choose Embedded Memo to include census transcription, if you transcribe the census in the event memo field. If you don't transcribe censuses, this report is useful as a research progress check, but doesn't function well as an analytical tool.
• Although I print this report to screen as the standard option, I frequently make a hard copy of this report. I use the hard copy to create better charts and to write research ideas and note possible patterns.

The Family Group Sheet Report: What I Get

Report Definition Screen Options Screen: Tags Options Screen: Memos

I use this report most often as a mental focus point. As such, I find it very helpful. It also serves as a check on census research progress and birth date consistency. It's adequate for the latter purpose; for the former, I would prefer a different format.

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This page copyright November 2004 by Susan Goss Johnston.
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