Daily AncestorHow to read old records, field by field
A real record, every box numbered. Tap a number to see what that field says and what it tells you about your ancestor.
How to read a 1910 census page, column by column
A real 1910 U.S. census page from Pennsylvania, read across all 32 columns for one family: what each column asked, and what each answer tells you.
Passenger manifestHow to read a 1911 passenger manifest, field by field
A real 1911 New York passenger manifest, followed across all 29 columns for one young immigrant: what each answer tells you and where it leads.
Death certificateHow to read a 1913 death certificate, field by field
A real 1913 Missouri death certificate, explained box by box: who gave each answer, how far to trust it, and where each clue sends you next.
Declaration of intentionHow to read a 1913 declaration of intention, field by field
A real 1913 declaration of intention from Sacramento, explained line by line: what each answer tells you about the immigrant and which record to search next.
WWI draft registration cardHow to read a 1917 WWI draft card, field by field
A real June 5, 1917 draft registration card, front and back, explained question by question: what each answer tells you and what to search next.
1850 census population scheduleHow to read an 1850 census page, column by column
A real 1850 U.S. census page from Henry County, Indiana, read across all 13 columns for one family: what each column asked, and what each answer tells you.
Recorded willHow to read an 1857 will in a county will book, part by part
A real 1857 will copied into the Sacramento County Record of Wills: the testator, nine heirs, the executor, two witnesses, their sworn statements and the judge's order admitting it to probate.
1880 census population scheduleHow to read an 1880 census page, column by column
A real 1880 U.S. census page from New Haven, Connecticut, read across all 26 columns for one household: relationships, marital status and the birthplaces of each person's parents.
Homestead final proofHow to read an 1894 homestead final proof, question by question
A real 1894 homestead proof from the Kingfisher land office, Oklahoma Territory: the settler's sworn answers on age, birthplace, family, house and crops, and the numbers that find the file.