Guilford Residents in 1889

The US Decennial Census has terrific records going back to 1790 with the 1950 census released last month. In rural areas such as Guilford, it is often difficult to definitely assign households to roads, streets, or specific unincorporated areas. While places like Ellicott City, and sometimes even Savage are identified, rural areas often go by their Post Office which may be many miles from where they live.

During a recent visits to the Howard County Historical Society, Inc., a “Poll Book of Qualified and Registered Voters” for each of Howard County’s six Election Districts was located. This list was in advance of the 1890 elections and was conducted in October 1889.  A much lengthier poll book from 1884 was used to check and verify each entry as to whether the name listed moved or was even alive.  This 1884 book included ages, race, and length of residence and had about 3,000 names.

This list does not include women, although many were land owners, since it was prepared 30 years before women were granted the right to vote via the 19th amendment.

Guilford was in the 6th election district (see attached 1878 Hopkins Atlas) and a transcription was completed of the 654 entries for our district. The voter’s name and area of residence were listed. Here is a summary of those statistics:

Savage – 121

Near Savage - 63

Guilford – 63

Near Laurel - 55

Near Guilford – 49

Oakland and Oakland Mills area – 41

Annapolis Junction area – 36

Jessup area – 12

Of the 63 entries for Guilford, there were14 entries (22%) for Black voters. This poll book did not indicate race so I looked for their names on the 1880 and 1900 census records and confirmed with the recently located 1884 polling book reviewed for the 1889 "qualified and registered" voters..

Of note is Nicholas Boston who served in the US Colored Troops in the 39th Regiment, Company C and entered service formerly enslaved. Please see the list of those 63 Guilford residents registered to the right.

There are more polling books for additional years that will need to be explored as time permits.