Genealogical Research Lecture on Finding a Missing Person in the 1870 Census

Introduction

• The speaker shares the story of finding their great-grandfather, Henry Gustoff Henley, known as Gus, in the 1870 census.
• Context: Gus was missing from the records, prompting the speaker to undertake an exhaustive search.

Background

• Henry Gustoff Henley was born in 1862, making him about 8 years old in 1870.
• Gus's mother, Rebecca Henley, was also initially missing in the census records.

Initial Findings

• Rebecca Henley is located in the 1870 census as a single seamstress from North Carolina.
  • Listed children: Margaret (3 years old) and Virginia (1 year old).
  • Missing children: Mary, Margaret, William, Henry, Ellen, Flora, Virginia, Oscar, and Fanny.
• William, another son, is found nearby, farmed out as an apprentice farmer at 6 years old.

Strategies for Finding Gus

• The speaker's initial searches for Gus by name (Gus, H Henley, G Henley) were unsuccessful.
• Considered alternate spellings of Henley (HENLY instead of HENLEY).

Data Extraction Technique

• Extracting data from the entire census roll (30 pages) to find Gus.
• Process involves copying census data into a spreadsheet for filtering.
  • Copy data from census images into Excel, ensuring proper formatting.
  • Track image numbers for later reference (e.g., Rebecca is found on image 16).

Filtering the Data

• Use Excel to filter by relevant fields like age, gender, and occupation.
• Narrowed search by filtering for 7-9 year old males, then by occupation (apprentice, farmer).

Discovery

• Gus is found listed as Gustavus Henley on image 24, apprenticed to Nathaniel Steele.
  • Name and surname were wrongly recorded as "Gustavus" and "Henley."
• Realization: Gus was living in the household of his biological father, Benjamin Franklin Steed, son of Nathaniel Steed.

Conclusion

• The discovery reveals familial connections and resolves the mystery of Gus's location.
• Speaker encourages viewers to review notes, update research with correct information, and highlights resources available for deeper learning.

Resources

• Mention of handouts available for channel members and patrons.
• Encouragement to access step-by-step instructions for genealogical research.