Census Sunday - The Coyle Sisters in the 1940 US Census

State & National Census Reports are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & nonpopulation schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering?

 Mary Josephine (Mullane) Coyle died in 1927. After her death her unmarried daughters lived together. In the 1930 US Census the sisters were living at 2109 Walton Avenue in the Bronx. Marion, 28 [actually 30], was an operator in the telephone company. Marguerite, 25 [actually 28], was a supervisor in the telephone company. Lillian, 18, was a book keeper for a shoe company. Kathleen, 12 [actually 14], was still in school. They paid $40 a month for the rent on their apartment.

With the exception of Marion, who married James McCall on 5 April 1931, I expected to see them still living together in 1940. I was correct.

Sisters: Lillian & Kathleen Coyle in New York City

In 1940 US Census the Coyle sisters were living at 3E Burns Street in Queens. Marguerite, 30 [actually 38], was surprisingly unemployed. Therefore, younger sister, Lillian was head of the family. She worked as a “comptometer” for 35 hours a week earning an income of $1,200. Youngest sister, Kathleen, worked 35 hours a week as a clerk for the telephone company earning an income of $1,200. Rent for their apartment was $62 a month.

[Note: My grand aunts often altered their ages! Ha!]

This a reassuring report, verifying family stories. Details of their jobs and incomes in 1940 are interesting. With the exception of a brief marriage for Marguerite these sisters would live together for the rest of their lives, in New York City, Long Island, Florida and Arizona. They were successful career women who traveled the world and lived long lives. They are buried together in Sun City, Arizona.