Robert Percival Porter was an American journalist, diplomat, and statistician who wrote on economic subjects. He served as Superintendent of the Census (1889–1893). In the statistical field, the first use of the term "computer" comes in an article in the Journal of the American Statistical Association archives by Porter in 1891. The article discusses about the use of Hermann Hollerith's machine in the 11th Census of the United States.
Easton Press Robert P. Porter books
Report on Indians Taxed and Not Taxed (co-authored with Carroll D. Wright) - deluxe edition in slip case - 2015(This page contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated.)
Robert P. Porter biography
Robert P. Porter (June 30, 1852 – February 28, 1917) was an American statistician, economist, and public administrator. He is best known for his work in the field of labor statistics and his contributions to the development of the United States Census Bureau. Porter was born in Norwich, England. He initially worked as a teacher and journalist until later becoming involved in public service. In 1889, he was appointed as the Superintendent of the Census, and he played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing the 1880 and 1890 censuses. Porter's efforts helped improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of census data during that periodReport on Indians Taxed and Not Taxed
The Report on Indians Taxed and Indians Not Taxed in the United States (Except Alaska) is a historical document that was produced as part of the U.S. Census Bureau's efforts to gather information on the Native American population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This report was a response to the requirement outlined in the Act of July 4, 1884, which mandated the collection of statistical information on the Indians taxed and Indians not taxed as part of the decennial census. The primary purpose of this report was to provide a detailed account of the Native American population, distinguishing between those living on reservations (where they were often exempt from state and local taxes) and those living outside of reservations (who were subject to taxation). The report aimed to provide insights into the social, economic, and demographic characteristics of Native Americans during that time.The information collected in the report included details on the number of Indians, their location (whether on or off reservations), tribal affiliations, and various social and economic indicators such as property ownership, education, and employment. The distinction between "Indians taxed" and "Indians not taxed" was significant in understanding the impact of taxation policies on Native American communities and their economic conditions.
These reports were part of broader efforts to document and categorize the diverse population of the United States during the census process. It is important to note that historical documents like these are reflective of the attitudes and policies of their time, and they may not fully capture the complexities and diversity of Native American experiences. Researchers and historians today approach such documents with a critical lens, considering the historical context and the perspectives of the communities involved.
