Danish Roots

Although the records from the Parish churches are probably the most helpful when it comes to researching Danish family history, there are also other important records available.

Census records were maintained and like those in the United States they list everyone in the household and show their age, occupation and relationship to the head of the household. Where they differ is that they were taken on a more or less irregular basis. The first census that has real genealogical value was taken in 1787. Other census’ were taken in 1801, 1834, 1840, 1845, 1850, 1855, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890, 1901, 1906 and 1911.

Unlike the U.S. census, the Danish records are not indexed on a national basis. They were taken at the county level and within each county are arranged by parish.

Military records can also be helpful to the genealogist. From about 1788 and on, records were kept of all men who were eligible to serve in the military. Lists of all males from birth to age 43 were compiled and kept by the parish priest. The records can include other information besides the individuals name, including age, place of birth and the father’s name. These lists were updated every three years. During the years between lists, supplemental records were made showing new births and when an individual moved to another parish. This makes the records valuable in tracing the movement of an individual.

A third type of record is the probate record. Probate records include wills and records of a deceased individual’s estate. These records exist from 1683 when King Christian V decreed that anyone who died and left a child under the age of 25 must have his estate probated. In reality, many estates were probated even when there were no minor children. These records were kept on either the county or parish level.