2026 #52Ancestors, Week 7: What the Census Suggests

After locating Joseph M. Miller in the 1950 census (a feat in and of itself), I was delighted to find that he had landed on one of the sample lines.  This meant I had access to additional information about his schooling, income, and family! 

The basic census information told me little more than that he was living with his mother, hadn't worked the week previous and was not currently seeking work.  The 'sample' section, however, was a plethora of intriguing information.

What is the highest grade of school that he has attended?: S12

Did he finish this grade?: Yes

Last year, in how many weeks did this person do any work at all, not counting work around the house?: none

Last year (1949), how much money did he earn working as an employee for wages or salary?: none

Last year, how much money did he earn working in his own business, professional practice, or farm?: none

Last year, how much money did he receive from interest, dividends, veteran's allowances, pensions, rents, or other income aside from earnings?: 480

Last year (1949) how much money did his relatives in this household earn working for wages or salary?: none

Last year, how much money did his relatives in this household earn in own business, professional practice, or farm?: none

Last year, how much money did his relatives in this household receive from interest, dividends, veteran's allowances, pensions, rents, or other income aside from earnings?: none

Here's what the census suggests.  

1.  Joseph finished high school. His mother, Nettie, only finished 6th grade.  The same for his biological father. His main stepfather, Walter Miller, completed 8th grade. So, in spite of the fact that his childhood was not particularly stable (2 different states, 3 different father figures), this census suggests someone made sure Joseph's education was a priority.

2.  The general information section on this census indicates Joseph was unable to work, but the sample information shows he was receiving money - $480 (about $6,500 today) from somewhere.  Because of his merchant marine file, I know that in December 1940, he was injured on board the Arthur Orr. Taking that into consideration, this census seems to suggest that he was receiving disability/a pension from the merchant marines. 

3.  Joseph's mother, Nettie, was not working, nor was she receiving any money from additional incomes. Taking all other information into consideration, this suggests that Nettie was serving as a sort of caretaker for her son who was unable to work.  It seems likely that Joseph and his mother were living off of whatever pension he was drawing from the merchant marines.

Overall, this census was instrumental in helping me connect the dots in both Joseph's and Nettie's lives.