New Jersey, State Census, 1885

What is in This Collection?

This collection is an index to the 1885 New Jersey state census. The census is a printed form that was filled in by hand by the enumerator. It is arranged by county and by township within each county.

Some records may be missing, including Jersey City (Hudson County) records from FS Library film numbers 888618, 888619, 888620, 888621 and 888622.

The state of New Jersey took a state census every 10 years beginning in 1855 and continuing through 1915. The 1885 census is the first to survive in its entirety. The census was compiled to obtain a count of the population to determine how many representatives the state would send to Congress.

The information is generally reliable. However use the information with some caution, since the information may have been given to a census taker by any member of the family or by a neighbor. Some information may have been incorrect or deliberately falsified.

To Browse This Collection

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The 1890 U.S. Federal Census was damaged and destroyed by fire in 1921. Less than 1 percent of the schedules are available for research today. Because of this problem, the 1885 New Jersey State Census is a highly valuable source as it provides information that would otherwise may be found in the federal census.

The following information may be found in these records:

Census

• The first and last names of individuals
• Residence
• Race
• Gender
• Native or foreign born
• Age range

Collection Content

Sample Image

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  1885 State Census