“A statistical inquiry into the condition of the people of colour of the city and districts of Philadelphia,” an original manuscript census held at the Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.
U.S. Federal Census
The U.S. federal census has been conducted every ten years since 1790. Each census form asked different questions about individuals in households. Researchers can find valuable biographical information in these records.
Unfortunately, fire destroyed most of the 1890 census records. Some records are difficult to read. City directories can be used to supplement census record details.
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