Census Records

Census Records

Camden County Census Reels

Camden County Library has all the Camden County census reels available covering the years from 1850 to 1930.These reels include the 1830 and 1840 census for Gloucester County, and the 1830 census for Salem, Cumberland and Cape May counties.  We also have the census for part of Burlington County on the Camden County reels for 1880, 1900 and 1910.  The reels are  available with the other microfilm on the 2nd floor, near the reference desk.

Camden County did not exist as a separate county until 1844.  It was a part of Gloucester County in the 1830 and 1840 censuses.

Some Census Facts:

 The first available New Jersey federal census is that for 1830.The 1790, 1800, and 1810 censuses for New Jersey, along with those for some other states, were thought to have been destroyed by the British attack on Washington during the War of 1812 (although this is only an assumption and some scholars disagree).In any case, they, along with the 1820 census for New Jersey, are missing.

There is a substitute that can be used for the 1790 New Jersey census and Camden County library has a copy.  The title of the book is "Revolutionary Census of New Jersey" and the author is Kenn Stryker-Rodda; the call number if NJ Ref 929.3749 Str.

Also missing are most of the 1890 census schedules, including New Jersey.  A fire in the commerce Department building in 1921 is to blame here.

The New Jersey state censuses, taken every 10 years from 1855 to 1915, can also be useful.  You can look at them at the Gloucester County Historical Society or the New Jersey State Archives.

You can also access the online Heritage Quest database with your library card number.  It includes the entire US Census, 1790-1930.