The GFO Research Library has more than 60,000 holdings for all of the United States and many locations around the world, with particular strengths in the Pacific Northwest, Virginia, and French Canada. They have also placed online a variety of different indexes which users can search. While largely focused on Oregon and the communities within the state, it does have some non-Oregon based genealogy information online.
Use this page as a quick link to all of the United State Census images available at FamilySearch.
Cayuga County New York Census Records – Search and view the US Federal Census Images from 1790-1940 for Cayuga County, New York for free. Also provided are lists of any state census available online for Cayuga County NY.
Seneca County New York Census Records – Search and view the US Federal Census Images from 1790-1940 for Seneca County, New York for free. Also provided are lists of any state census available online for Seneca County NY.
In the 1890 Census, the Indian population in New York consisted primarily of the Six Nations, residing on reservations and totaling 726 self-supporting individuals. The breakdown includes 383 males and 343 females across various counties, with the largest groups found in Madison and Kings Counties. Additionally, there are 5,309 individuals from the Six Nations categorized as non-taxed. The state retains obligations towards these tribes, reflecting their ongoing presence and the historical significance of their settlements in the region.
The Mescalero Apache Reservation, established in 1873-1874, spans 474,240 acres in New Mexico, characterized by rugged terrain unsuitable for extensive agriculture. The Mescalero Apache community, numbering 513 in 1890, primarily relies on government rations, supplemented by limited agriculture and livestock. Cultural practices include traditional marriage customs and a notable adherence to superstitions. Educational efforts face challenges due to parental resistance, although some children show promise. The integration of western medical practices is improving health conditions, while community dynamics reflect a blend of traditional and modern influences.
In 1890, the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico, citizens of the United States, numbered 8,554 individuals, living across 19 pueblos. In addition, the Mescalero and Jicarilla Apache populations were documented, totaling over 1,300. The Mescalero Apaches, established on their reservation since 1874, and the Jicarilla Apaches, living in close-knit bands, showcased a blend of cultural traditions and adaptation. Overall, the New Mexico Indian population reflected a diverse yet unified community within the complexities of reservation life.
In 1890, the Moapa River reservation in Nevada lacked a subagent and served primarily as a rallying point for Shoshone Indians. The self-supporting Indian population in Nevada was reported at 3,599, with various tribes residing in multiple counties. Among them, the Pah Utes on the Pyramid Lake and Walker River reservations were noted as industrious and peaceful, engaging in fishing and farming. Notably, many Indian bands continually changed names based on popular leadership, complicating historical records of tribes within the state.
In 1890, the Flandreau Sioux were citizens of South Dakota, attached to the Santee agency for aid and received rations due to crop failures. The civilized Indians of Nebraska, totaling 2,893, were dispersed across various counties, while broader data indicated a total of 3,536 Indians managed by different agencies. The Omahas and Winnebagos were established in their respective reservations, with the Poncas and Santee Sioux also long settled in Nebraska, showcasing a mix of citizenship, land ownership, and reliance on government support.
In 1890, the census recorded 2,030 self-supporting Indians in Mississippi, predominantly descendants of the Choctaws from The Five Civilized Tribes. Concentrated in rural, cow counties, they cultivate small plots and supplement their income through hunting and crafts. Their lifestyle is simple, with limited ownership of livestock and occasional trade in items like baskets and pelts. However, they exhibit minimal engagement with formal education or religion and have a restricted proficiency in English.
In 1890, the total number of self-supporting Indians in Maine was 559, primarily the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes. The Penobscot, concentrated in Penobscot County, received state support, including bounties for agricultural produce. They engaged in limited farming and seasonal crafts, while young men worked in lumbering. The Passamaquoddy, similarly supported, faced health challenges, notably influenza. Despite improvements noted by state agents, alcohol abuse was a prevailing concern. Both tribes had representation in the state legislature, and the census showed discrepancies in their recognized numbers.
The 1890 Census, supervised by Robert P. Porter and modeled after the 1880 Census, began on June 2, 1890. It involved 175 supervisors overseeing enumerators responsible for visiting homes to gather personal data. Special enumerations were conducted for specific groups and industries, while social statistics were collected separately by experts. The census aimed to capture detailed information, including family relationships, ages, occupations, and more. However, the census records were largely destroyed in a fire in 1921, leaving limited information available.
In 1890, the Moqui Pueblos, numbering 1,996 individuals, demonstrated self-sufficiency despite isolation from Anglo-Saxon society. They cultivated 3,600 acres of corn and extensively farmed vegetables and peach orchards, generating an estimated $10,000 annually from these crops. The Moquis owned significant personal property and relied primarily on their agricultural production for sustenance. Their community structure included 347 houses across seven pueblos, with a notable emphasis on traditional clothing and crafts. Although money was less crucial to them, they engaged in trade for essential goods.
Special Agent Stephen Whited’s reports from 1890 detail the conditions and demographics of Indian tribes, specifically the Pima, Maricopa, and Papago, across various reservations in Arizona. The Gila River, Salt River, and Papago reservations are mentioned, with a total Indian population of 9,942, highlighting agricultural practices, housing, and cultural customs. The Pimas have shown significant progress in farming and adopting new methods, while issues like disease and social vices persist. Education efforts are underway, with a newly built school accommodating an increasing number of students.
In 1890, Oregon’s Native American population was comprised of various tribes, primarily along rivers and coastlines. Tribal conflicts were common over resources, with many tribes lacking linguistic ties and often engaging in warfare. The Indian population was greatly exaggerated by early explorers, with estimates around 40,000 being unlikely. By 1890, the census identified 4,971 Native Americans, with many living on designated reservations. Despite their varied lifestyles, the tribes exhibited no distinct mechanical innovations and were similar in behavior to other Northwest Coast Indians.
In the report by Special Agent Walter O. Marmon from 1891, the Navajo reservation, covering over 8 million acres across New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, is examined. The population of approximately 17,200 Navajos includes those who farm and raise livestock, exhibiting substantial self-sufficiency. They practice agriculture and weaving, producing valued blankets. The report highlights their resilience post-captivity at Bosque Redondo and concerns over mineral wealth potentially endangering their lands. The Navajos maintain their cultural practices amid the pressures of assimilation and resource exploitation.
As of June 1, 1890, Montana’s total Indian population was 11,206. This included 10,336 reservation Indians who were not taxed or counted in the general census and 860 self-supporting Indians who were taxed. The civilized Indians, primarily those who had left tribal relations, totaled 860 and were spread across multiple counties. Agencies overseeing the tribes included Blackfeet, Crow, Flathead, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, and Tongue River. The data highlights the significant challenges faced by Native Americans during this period.
By 1890, the Michigan Indians, primarily consisting of the Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawatomies, faced significant challenges following decades of conflict and forced displacement. Many were relocated to reservations, with a decline in population due to disease and assimilation pressures. Despite some improvements in education and living conditions, the majority struggled with poverty and a loss of cultural heritage. While a few remained self-supporting through labor and trade, widespread issues of substance abuse and discontent highlighted the adverse effects of their changing circumstances under U.S. governance.
By 1890, the original Kansas Indians had largely been relocated to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. The remaining Indian population in Kansas included various tribes such as the Pottawatomies and Shawnees, with a total of 1,682 documented, of which 939 were reservation Indians not included in the general census. Among them, 736 were self-supporting and counted in the census, primarily located in Douglas and surrounding counties. The status of these tribes reflects their displacement and adaptation following treaties that ceded their lands.
The United States census of Indians began in 1850, spurred by legislation requiring enumeration of Native American tribes. That year, the reported Indian population was approximately 400,764, though this figure included many estimates. Subsequent censuses continued to attempt comprehensive counts, with the 1860 census reporting a total of 339,491 Indians, and by 1870, the count was about 383,712, with many figures still being estimated. The 1890 census established a population of 248,253, delineating taxed and untaxed Indians while highlighting their conditions and locations.