1865 New York State Census

[Erato]

Although the 1865 New York State Census images are unindexed, the information provided by FamilySearch says, "To search the collection by name fill in your ancestor’s name in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches."  Is it really possible to search that census in this way?  I have tried a number of people who I know were living in Brooklyn at that time but no results are ever listed for 1865.  Is there any other sort of simple way to locate people on this census?

[Erato]

To answer my own question, you cannot search the 1865 NY census as described by FamilySearch; it doesn't work.  And I haven't found any shortcuts.  Consequently, I have been going through it page by page.  This wouldn't be too bad if you have people in a small town.  Unfortunately, I am searching for people in Brooklyn.  After looking at 504 pages [3 wards], I have found two of the six families I am looking for.  Still a long way to go.

BUT ....  it is worth it.  This is truly a fantastic census.  In addition to the usual population data, it includes data on housing, deaths and marriages, and specific data on all current and former military personnel.  Also data on handicapped persons [deaf, blind, insane, etc].  Also data on farms, livestock, industry, businesses, churches, newspapers, stores, and bars.  Also general economic conditions and other miscellaneous notes [some amusing].  In short, a very highly recommended census.

[shellyesq]

I suspected that those instructions were just copied from a page about another census. 

[Lisa in California]

Hi Erato:

Silly question, but I guess this particular census is not on one of the popular pay sites?  If not, is there any other way that we can try to help you?

[Erato]

I don't know if it's on any of the 'popular pay sites.'  If it is, I could mention some names.  Otherwise, I could assign you a couple of wards to look through [just kidding].

If they ever do index it at FamilySearch, Brooklyn Ward 1 is going to be a nightmare.  The census taker must have been only barely literate and his handwriting was incredibly bad.  He always recorded the O'Briens as O'Brine and there are hundreds of them.  And there thousands of other obvious misspellings.

[Lisa in California]

I just tried to send a message; it didn't work.

My son just dropped in.  I have to go.

Please feel free to give us names.
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I'm back.  I would normally enjoy looking through a ward for the names (I enjoy the hunt and getting results),    but we are busy with family things right now.

If you would like to share details, maybe we'll be lucky and find something?

[Erato]

The names I am looking for are:

1.  Jane Richmond [widow, born abt 1814 in Scotland] and her children William H. [abt 1842], Ellen C. [1846] and Marion C. [1849].  All children  born in Brooklyn, NY.

2.  Matthew T. Boyd [abt 1836 in NY] and his wife Mary Jane [abt 1838 in Brooklyn] and their son Richmond K. Boyd [1862 in Brooklyn].

3.  Valentine Boyd [aka James V. Boyd, abt 1812 in Ireland] and his wife Ellen [abt 1813 in Ireland] and their children William James [abt 1839], John [abt 1841], Charles H. [1843], Thomas J. [abt 1847] and Sarah [abt 1850].  All children born in Brooklyn but I'm not sure all of them were still living.

4.  Francis F. Braillard [abt 1846 in Switzerland]


With the exception of some of the Boyd children,  I'm sure all of these people were alive in 1865 and living in Brooklyn.  If you find one, what I'd like is the ward and page numbers, then I can download the image from FamilySearch.  I have already searched wards 1, 7, 8, and most of ward 4.  I chose them because I thought they were the most likely ones.

[Lisa in California]

Ok, I'll have a look around.  Hopefully we'll get some results.     Thank you for posting all of the details

[Lisa in California]

I don't see an 1865 New York census.  You have the families on the 1860 and 1870 census, correct?