Finding Individuals in the 1950 US Census on FamilySearch

How to Find Individuals in the 1950 US Census on FamilySearch

This guide will help you search for individuals in the 1950 United States Census using FamilySearch.

Steps to Search the 1950 US Census:

1. Navigate to the Search Page: Go to the FamilySearch website and select 'Search' in the navigation menu. Then, click 'Collections.'
2. Find the 1950 United States Census: On the 'Search Records' page, scroll down to the 'United States' section. Look for 'United States Census, 1950.' If you don't see it, use the search box to search for 'United States Census, 1950'.
3. Enter Search Information: Enter the first and last name of the person you are searching for. Add as much information as you know, such as:
   • Birth date
   • Birth location
   • Residence (City, County, State)
4. Review the Search Results: After entering the search information, click the 'Search' button. A list of potential matches will appear.
5. Examine the Records: Review each record carefully, comparing the details with what you know about the person. Look at details like:
   • Names of family members
   • Age
   • Place of birth
   • Address
   • Occupation
6. View the Image: Once you find a likely match, view the actual census image. This can provide additional details or confirm the information you have.
7. Attach to Family Tree: If you find a record that matches your ancestor, attach it to their profile in your FamilySearch family tree. This helps preserve the record and connect it to your family history.

Tips for Effective Searching:

• Use Wildcards: If you are unsure of the spelling of a name, use wildcard characters such as '*' or '?'. I don't have verified information about how FamilySearch uses wildcards, so experiment to see what works.
• Try Different Spellings: Names were sometimes recorded incorrectly in census records. Try different variations of the name.
• Search by Location: If you know the city or county where your ancestor lived, search using that location.