The 1880 Census was the first census to identify the
relationship to the head of the household, illness or disability at the time the
census was taken, marital status, number of months unemployed during the year,
and the state or country of birth of every individual’s father and mother.
Previously, the only means for finding persons in the 1880
Census was the Soundex Index. It is inadequate in that it includes only those
households with children who were age 10 or younger. Single people and married
couples without children age 10 or younger were not included in the Soundex.
This every-name index, prepared by MCIGS member Merton Sarvay,
includes the names of all 25,086 individuals enumerated in the 1880
Census in McHenry County. Researchers should use this index as a resource to
locate specific individuals in the original census records. Be aware, however,
of variant spellings and misspelling of names recorded by the census taker.
Please note that name spellings are Mert’s interpretation
and may vary, depending on readability of the microfilmed version of the
original census. Illegible entries are noted. Some corrections and name
additions have been included in this index. Example: If a person’s
first initial was listed instead of the individual’s full first name, Mert may
have included the full first name if he had other documentation to confirm the
name. Example: Sometimes a relative of the head of household, such as a
father-in-law, was listed without a surname. Mert may have included the correct
surname for the father-in-law, if he had other documentation to confirm the
name. If not, the surname is indicated by a series of . . . .
The first number after the name indicates the Enumeration
District.
