Census

In addition to the Federal Census, Kansas performed a state census every 10 years from 1865 to 1925. Territorial census were performed from 1855 through 1860 (Kansas became a state in 1861). The Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) in Topeka has all of the census records (both federal and state) on microfilm.

1855
to
1859		 Voter Censuses were taken annually to determine the population of Kansas. In 1855, Wabaunsee County was included in District 3, along with Shawnee and Pottawatomie Counties. An index for 1855 is online at the Kansas State Library website. A combined index for 1856-1859 is available at the KSHS (and possibly other repositories).
Federal Census The federal censuses are indexed on several websites, mostly for a fee. There are a few less expensive options. Also see the Public Library section under Where to Research.
  • 1860 - available in book form and microfilm of card indexes and is available through interlibrary loan from the KSHS; Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has print index.
  • 1870 - printed index available at the KSHS (and possibly other repositories). KSHS also has Soundex index.
  • 1880 - Index is online and searchable for free at the LDS website; there is a printed Mortality Schedule available at several repositories; also, there is a printed index to this census at several libraries
  • 1890 - does not exist
  • 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 - KSHS has Soundex indexes available.
State (Agricultural) Census The State censuses are quite a valuable tool to the genealogist, especially since the Federal census does not exist for 1890. Most years list similar information to the federal censuses (names, age, birth place, family relationship, occupation, etc.), but also typically include an agricultural report for farmers. In some years, this report had up to 80 columns and includes information such as crop production (by crop and acreage), ranching activity, gardening, pets, fencing and more.
  • 1865 - printed index available at the KSHS (and possibly other repositories).
  • 1875, 1885 - no known index available for Wabaunsee County
  • 1895 - Wabaunsee County (and about 15% of the rest of the state) is indexed and available online at the KSHS website.
  • 1905, 1915, 1925 - no known index available for Wabaunsee County
Other If you are interested in the recent census statistics, you should visit the Wabaunsee County page at the U.S. Census Bureau.