How Much Are You Worth?

The 1850, 1860, and 1870 U.S. census returns all asked how much each person’s real estate was worth.  Believe it or not, this is a valuable question for many reasons.  The 1860 and 1870 census also asked the value of a person’s personal property.  This can be almost as useful!

Financial Standing

The first thing we think of when reading how much someone’s real estate is worth is their financial standing in their community.  How does their property value compare with others on the same page?  On the earlier or next pages?  If your ancestor lists real estate worth $10,000 that can tell you a lot about their lifestyle.

Area Economy

As we have mentioned before, comparing the census from one decade to the next can be eye opening.  If your ancestor’s property value changed dramatically from one decade to the next, what does that mean?  If they were living in the same place and the value went down, why did that happen?  Did they sell part of their land?  Was there a local or national recession?  If they moved and their real estate value stayed the same, did they acquire more acres?

The personal property value can be eye opening because for the census, enslaved people were considered personal property.  If your ancestor had real estate valued at $5000 and personal property valued at $10000 in 1860 then real estate worth $3000 and personal property worth $250 in 1870 it shows you what an impact the Civil War had their family.

Location, Location, Location

If your ancestor’s property increased in value, there is also a reason why.  If they moved into an area that was being settled, established a farm, and helped to grow their community, their real estate would become more valuable.  Like my grandfather Joshua Seale, who spent most of his life developing new places, the value of their real estate could increase dramatically from one decade to the next.

Next time you find your ancestors in the 1850-1870 census, focus on those property value columns.  You won’t be sorry!  If digging deep isn’t your thing or life doesn’t afford you the time, don’t worry, that is what we do at Heroes of the Past.  Let’s work together to unlock the story of your ancestors lives! Contact us here.