GENEALOGY HINTS 
The 1840 U. S. Census: But Wait—There’s More!

The 1840 census is an especially valuable resource for genealogists because, on page two, it asks for the names and ages of “Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services [this includes War of 1812 pensioners], Included in the Foregoing [Household].” The term “Pensioners” refers to both veterans and widows. 

1840 U. S. Census Page 2

Quoting the National Archives website: “[V]eteran Alexander Tackels was enumerated in the household of Jonathan Arnold in Genesee Co., NY. This clue should lead the researcher to Revolutionary War military service and pension records. The pensioners’ presence in these households should be a clue that the pensioner may be related to someone in the household. Another example is widow Chloe McCullar who was enumerated in the household of W. W. Blake in Licking Co., OH. William W. Blake’s wife’s maiden name was Nancy McCullar; she was one of Chloe McCullar’s children.” 

For more information about page two of the 1840 Census go to http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1790-1840.html. 
You may also be able to find your pensioner(s) in the 1840 Census of Pensioners which was published in 1841. A transcription is available online at http://www.accessgenealogy.com/military/1840-pensioners-census.htm. 

RESEARCH TIP: Don’t settle for just half of the story. Look at the second page of ship manifests, censuses, WWI draft cards, border crossings, and vital records. Turn photographs over to search for clues, and always examine the back of a tombstone—you’ll be glad you did!