Canada Expanded Censuses In 1851

Today’s column is a continuation from last week’s on Canadian census records. Information is based on Thomas Hillman’s book, “Catalog of (Canadian) Census Returns on Microfilm - 1661-1881,” published by the Canadian government in 1981.

Those using Canadian censuses will notice significant additions to census records in each successive year. Most censuses before 1825 simply indicate heads of household and are often incomplete.

The 1825 census, however, provides head of household, age groups for all family members and marital status.

Censuses for 1831, 1842, 1851 and 1861 include the same questions, but in greater detail, along with other information-rich queries, such as place of birth, age, sex, marital status, infirmities, religion, occupation or profession, education, land and household information.

Data was also gathered on crops and farm animals, taverns, mills and manufacturers.

The bad news is: Until 1851, census records are not complete and may consist of only a few pages for any given area. In 1851 everyone was enumerated and an agricultural census was compiled separately.

The most extensive and comprehensive census records in the Canadian Public Archives are for 1871. This census, taken on nine schedules, was combined and microfilmed as a unit. The returns are:

1. Nominal return of the living.

2. Nominal return of deaths within the last 12 months.

3. Public institutions, real estate, vehicles and implements.

4. Cultivated land, field products, plants and fruit.

5. Livestock, animal products, homemade fabrics and fur.

6. Industrial establishments.

7. Products of the forest.

8. Shipping and fisheries.

9. Mineral products.

In 1881, the number of schedules was reduced to eight by combining two categories. However, only a microfilmed copy of the nominal returns of the living - Schedule 1 - has survived. That census was filmed in the 1950s, but wasn’t received by the Public Archives until 1979 and is not of consistent quality.

Remember the question of religious affiliations? Answers were recorded with initials:

B.C.: Bible Church

C.E.: Church of England

C.S.: Church of Scotland

E.M.C.: Episcopal Methodist Church

F.C.: Free Church (Presbyterian)

M.E.C.: Methodist Episcopal Church

P.C.L.P.: Presbyterian (Canada and Lower Provinces)

P.F.C.: Presbyterian Free Church

R.P.: Reformed Presbyterian

U.P.: United Presbyterian

W.M.: Wesleyan Methodist

A guide for Catholic church initials isn’t included in the book, but there must have been several since most immigrants from France were Catholic.

Canadian census microfilms may be borrowed or bought from the Canadian Public Archives, and most are available for loan via the Family History Library in Salt Lake City delivered to a nearby Family History Center.

Today’s Tip: If you received a gift of money as a Christmas gift, here’s a suggestion on how to use it: “Printed Sources, a Guide to Published Genealogical Records,” edited by Kory L. Meyerink. The 800-page book addresses the large and growing body of printed genealogical material - background information, finding aids, published original records and compiled records.

It’s the perfect companion to “The Source,” long a standard reference work. Cost is $49.95, plus $4.95 postage, from Ancestry at (800) 262-3787. It’s also available at Ancestors Plus, 825 W. Garland.