Joel Cruff Taft & the 1830 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 1830 Census.

During the 1840 Census, Joel, his father Asa, and his Brother, Asa Junior, were enumerated next to each other. In the 1830 Census, Joel and his father were listed next to each other. Brother, Asa Jr., is enumerated two after Joel on the next page. They were located in Lisle, Broome County, New York.

Their profiles show:

• • • Asa:                       – 1 1 1 – – – 1  ||  – 1 – 1 – 1
    • Joel Cruft Taft – 1 – – – 1        ||  2 2 – – 1
    • Asa Jr.:                 – 2 1 0 0 1        ||  3 1 – 1 – 1

In 1830, I believe that Joel had five children, a boy and four girls. The four girls fit, Amanda and Catherine being under 5, while Mercy and Sarah would be between 5 and 10.  The boy under five must be the same unknown boy who appears in the 1840 Census between 10 and 15.

Although I cannot read Joel’s name in the 1830 Census, I am confident that this is Joel beneath his father, Asa Taft.

Joel Cruff Taft Household – 1830

Males <5        1          Unknown (b. 1824-1830)
Males 20-30 1          Joel (29)
Females <5    2          Amanda (4) – Catherine (1)
Females 5-10 2          Mercy (8) – Sarah (5)
Females 20-30 1       ?Tamise? (34)

When I research Asa’s life, I will need this Census information for him, so I’ll include it here.

Asa Taft Household – 1830

Males

• Age 5-10 1          James (8)
• Age 10-15 1          John (15)
• Age 15-20 1          Seth (16)
• Age 50-60 1          Asa (56)

Females

• Age 5-10         Sarah Jane (9)
• Age 15-20     Unknown (b. 1810-1815)
• Age 30-40    Lucy (39)