If the identification of New York as place of birth on federal census enumerations means New York city, what is written for the other half of New York state-born folks who were born north of Yonkers? I've always assumed that in federal census listings, New York meant the state.  That said, there's a 50-50 chance it would be New York city, given the distribution of population within the state.  It would be frustrating indeed to spend all one's research time on New York city when the person was born in, say, Schenectady, although both would be listed the same, as New York, meaning the state. For more specific information, check the NYS censuses for the years ending in 5, which do state the county of birth, if in New York state, and the state or country of birth if outside the state.   Nancy Johnsen Curran http://pages.prodigy.net/nancycurran Genealogy research and photography in the capital region of New York State

I agree- I never assume that if it says they were born in NY, that it is NYC- have found some to the contrary. If you can find enough records on that family you can usually figure it out; it is especially helpful when there are parents or inlaws living with the family of interest, as you can trace them back and see where they came from. Sue -----Original Message----- From: nynewyor-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:nynewyor-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of NANCY J. CURRAN Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 9:05 AM To: nynewyor@rootsweb.com Subject: [NYNEWYOR] city or state? If the identification of New York as place of birth on federal census enumerations means New York city, what is written for the other half of New York state-born folks who were born north of Yonkers? I've always assumed that in federal census listings, New York meant the state.  That said, there's a 50-50 chance it would be New York city, given the distribution of population within the state.  It would be frustrating indeed to spend all one's research time on New York city when the person was born in, say, Schenectady, although both would be listed the same, as New York, meaning the state. For more specific information, check the NYS censuses for the years ending in 5, which do state the county of birth, if in New York state, and the state or country of birth if outside the state.   Nancy Johnsen Curran http://pages.prodigy.net/nancycurran Genealogy research and photography in the capital region of New York State ************************************* Jim Garrity, List Administrator jimgarrity@earthlink.net ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NYNEWYOR-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message