Encyclopedia o f Chicago
Historical Source
Historical Source
C
Census Page for Canal Boat Residents, 1850

Census Page for Canal Boat Residents, 1850
The 1850 manuscript census included several sheets for residents of canal boats. The boat captained by D. E. Oakley is typical in many respects. Most boat hands were men in their 20s and 30s from northeastern states; captains were sometimes older. Women often worked on the boats as cooks. Some of the larger boats included families with young children.