1855 New York State Census: Genealogy Insights

My research is a journey through time, guided by the clues and insights found within historical documents. The published materials, manuscripts and collections I use to advance my research provide the foundation for my investigations. The 1855 New York State census is a valuable resource I often turn to when researching the state’s history in the 19th century.

For genealogists, the 1855 census is a treasure trove. It allows individuals to piece together their family history with remarkable detail. By listing every member of a household, including their relationships to each other, ages, and places of birth, the census helps researchers pinpoint specific ancestors, trace their origins, and track their movements within the state. This invaluable information clarifies family structures and reveals previously unknown connections between individuals.

Beyond genealogy, the 1855 census offers crucial insights for historians. It provides a detailed snapshot of the state’s population at a specific moment, revealing demographic shifts, immigration patterns, and the growth of cities. By analyzing data on occupation, birthplace, and landownership, historians can gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic fabric of New York in the mid-19th century.

Access to the 1855 New York State Census

To find 1855 New York State Census records online you can search the following websites:

• FamilySearch.org provides free access for those who create an account.
• Ancestry.com, a subscription-based website, is another potential source.
• Another option is to contact county archives or historical societies. They may possess digitized records or microfilm copies specific to their region. Remember to focus your search by specifying the county where your ancestors resided.

Researching the 1855 New York State Census

My research subject was a woman named Eliza Fry and the goals were to attempt to identify her maiden name, potentially identify her parents and conduct further research on her family lineage. I used the 1855 New York State census as a starting point for research.

The census placed Eliza in Stony Creek, Warren County, living as the wife of Abraham Fry. At 44 years old, she was born around 1811 in New Hampshire, and had called Stony Creek home for the past 21 years, since roughly 1834. Her household included her children: Francis, Harrison, Lucinda, and Charlotte, aged 18, 16, 12, and 9 respectively.

The process of identifying Eliza’s children and researching their records led to the discovery of her maiden name, Grimes, on a death certificate.

In an effort to find other individuals bearing the surname Grimes residing in Warren County, particularly those born in New Hampshire, I reexamined the 1855 census, where the search for Eliza’s origins took a significant turn with the discovery of several individuals bearing her maiden name in Warren County, New York.

First, John G. Grimes was found residing in Stony Creek, a direct neighbor to Abraham and Eliza Fry on the 1855 census. This discovery was pivotal, as John G. was documented as having been born in New Hampshire around 1806. His presence near Eliza, coupled with his New Hampshire origins, strongly suggested a potential sibling relationship, reinforcing the possibility that Eliza herself hailed from the same state, as indicated in the census. Further investigation into John G.’s life revealed a pattern of migration, with his family residing in New Hampshire until at least 1837, then moving to Vermont, and finally settling in Stony Creek by 1854.

Adding to the intricacy, two individuals named Andrew Grimes were located. The first, residing in Thurman, a town neighboring Stony Creek, was born around 1818. While his age suggested a possible sibling relationship to John G. and Eliza, his recorded birthplace of Warren County, where he had reportedly lived his entire life, contradicted the New Hampshire theory and required further verification.

The second Andrew Grimes, found in Stony Creek, presented a different picture. This individual, born around 1785, was also from New Hampshire, and had been living in Stony Creek since approximately 1820. This older Andrew further strengthened the New Hampshire connection to the Grimes family in the same area where John G. and Eliza resided.

This research, which began with a review of the 1855 New York State census, unveiled a network of Grimes individuals in Warren County, with strong ties to New Hampshire. The presence of multiple Grimes individuals in close proximity emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the intricate relationships and origins of this family.

Want to learn more about the 1855 New York State Census?

Check out these websites:

• New York State Library has information on the questions asked for each New York State Census between 1825 and 1925.
• United States Census Bureau has a list of available state and territorial censuses.

Need Assistance With Your Research?

If you need help, I offer personalized services to help you achieve your research goals.

• Genealogy Coaching: If you’re eager to conduct your own research, I provide 1-hour coaching sessions to guide you through the process. I can help you identify relevant resesarch collections, develop effective search strategies, and navigate online resources.
• Research Services: For those who prefer to outsource their research, I offer professional genealogical research services. I can conduct in-depth research to uncover valuable information about your ancestors.