Joel Cruff Taft & the 1840 Census

Census Sunday
By Don Taylor

Following families in the early census records is always tricky. Reading incorrectly transcribed names and filling in the gaps makes things challenging. Such is the case concerning Joel Cruff Taft and the 1840 Census.

Joel was born in 1798 or 1800 in New York. He died in either 1844 or 1847, probably in Fairbanks, Sullivan County, Indiana. It is notable that all of his known children, including his youngest, William, were born in New York. So, it is likely that Joel was in New York during 1840 and was probably either 40 or 42 years old. I expect his wife, Tamise, to be living with him and over 40-years-old, My guess as to children is they would have as Female “1 3 2”.

• • • Under 5 – Platina
    • Age 5 to 10 – Luracy, Joanna, & Candance
    • Ages 10 to 15 – Catherine & Amanda

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 |  1 2 2 0 0 0 1

There is no Joel Cruff Taft enumerated in the Census; however, there as several Joel Taft’s, but none of them lived in New York (or Indiana). There is a “J. C. Toft,” two “J. Taft’s and a “Taft.”

It is also possible that Luracy was enumerated as under five and for Candance being listed as 10-years-old depending upon when their birthdays fall within the year. If so, that would make the profile “2 1 3.” As seen in the Census.

The critical fact is that Joel had five daughters under 15, and “J. C. Jogt” is the only head of household enumerated in New York during the 1840 Census with five daughters. Consequently, I am tentatively accepting that Joel Cruff Taft, his wife, and seven females (likely daughters) lived in Barker (town), Broome County, New York, on 1 June 1840.

The 1830 Census is next.