1884 and 1894 special Michigan censusesThe state of Michigan conducted its own regular and special censuses at various times throughout history. Between 1854 and 1904, they were conducted every 10 years. Until 1884, census takers recorded names and occupations only for men over the age of 21. They collected only numerical data about women and children.
In 1884, however, the information collected expanded considerably to include, among other statistics, the names of all residents, their ages and the number of years they had lived in Michigan. The 1884 and 1894 state census records fill in gaps created when the 1890 federal census was destroyed in a 1921 fire.
more than 62,000 Michigan state census records from 1884 and 1894 are now available to search and print for free at Seeking Michigan