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1870 United States Federal Census

Original Images

This database contains images of original records.

Sample Forms
Download blank Census forms
You can fill out the form with information on your ancestor, or just use it to better read the column headings.

Handwriting Help
View a sampling of handwriting examples
The examples should help you read the text on the original images more easily.

Please choose a county in Michigan:

Alcona Huron Missaukee
Allegan Ingham Monroe
Alpena Ionia Montcalm
Antrim Iosco Muskegon
Barry Isabella Newaygo
Bay Jackson Oakland
Benzie Kalamazoo Oceana
Berrien Kalkaska Ogemaw
Branch Kent Ontonagon
Calhoun Keweenaw Osceola
Cass Lake Oscoda
Charlevoix Lapeer Ottawa
Cheboygan Leelanau Presque Isle
Chippewa Lenawee Saginaw
Clare Livingston Sanilac
Clinton Mackinac Schoolcraft
Delta Macomb Shiawassee
Eaton Manistee St Clair
Emmet Manitou St Joseph
Genesee Marquette Tuscola
Grand Traverse Mason Van Buren
Gratiot Mecosta Washtenaw
Hillsdale Menominee Wayne
Houghton Midland Wexford

Census Records - Counties

After separating the census records into groups by state, the federal government subdivided these records into county groups. Searching for an ancestor on the county level provides a smaller region for research if you remain uncertain about the specific township where your ancestor resided. Researchers should also be aware of boundary line or jurisdictional changes through time. These changes may affect where an ancestor was enumerated on the census, so it remains important to search the counties surrounding the area where your ancestor lived.