R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

Canada
Research Outline
   

Table of Contents
Introduction
Records Of The Family History Library
The Family History Library Catalog
     Access To Family History Library Periodicals
Using This Outline
Canadian Search Strategies
     Step 1. Identify What You Know About Your Family
     Step 2. Decide What You Want To Learn
     Step 3. Select A Record To Search
     Step 4. Find And Search The Record
     Step 5. Use The Information
     Map Of Canada
Archives And Libraries
     National Archives And Library
Biography
Business Records And Commerce
Cemeteries
Census
Church Records
     General Historical Background
     Record-keeping Practices
     Records
     Locating Church Records
Court Records
     Provincial Courts
     Federal Courts
Directories
Emigration And Immigration
     Finding The Emigrant’s Town Of Origin
     Emigration From Canada
     Records Of Canadian Emigrants In The United States
Gazetteers
Genealogy
Historical Geography
History
Land And Property
Language And Languages
Maps
Military Records
     Military History
     Military Records
Minorities
Names, Personal
Native Races
Naturalization And Citizenship
Newspapers
Notarial Records
Obituaries
Periodicals
Probate Records
Societies
Vital Records
     General Historical Background
     Information In Vital Records
     Locating Vital Records
Other Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions


INTRODUCTION

This outline describes records and sources you can use to discover your Canadian ancestors. It describes the content, use, and availability of major regional and nationwide genealogical records. However, it does not mention all possible sources. Use this and outlines of the provinces to set research goals and to select the records that will help you achieve them. The section titled “For Further Reading,” found at the end of this outline, lists books that have more information about Canadian research.

Some of the publications listed in this outline are produced by the Family History Library. You can obtain them at the Family History Library and Family History Centers, or you can write to the following address:

Salt Lake Distribution Center
1999 West 1700 South
Salt Lake City Ut 84104-4233
USA
The Distribution Center item number is listed in parentheses following the titles of these publications.

Generally, you must know the town in Canada where your ancestor was born or resided before beginning research. Indexes to censuses, church records, and other genealogical sources may have this information. These are described below and in the outlines for the provinces.

If your Canadian ancestor came to the United States, study United States sources before starting research in Canada. See United States Research Outline (30972) and the outlines for each state in which your ancestors lived.


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RECORDS OF THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY

The Family History LibraryLook this term up in the glossary. has copies of many of the records listed in this outline. The library has microform copies of records found in government archives, church archives, and private collections. It has many records from Quebec and Ontario, and fairly good records of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. However, it does not have records for every time period or place in Canada.

More genealogical records are available for Quebec than for other provinces. In Quebec, French law and custom required keeping detailed Catholic church records of christenings, marriages, and burials beginning in the 1620s. Notarial records, including property transactions and marriage contracts, began in the 1640s. In English-speaking regions of eastern Canada, land records and probate records began in the late 1700s, but other detailed records were not kept until about 1867. Despite this, there are many sources for family research.


Computer Records

Selected information is available on computer at the Family History Library:

Some of the sources described in this outline list the Family History Library’s book, microfilm, microfiche, and computer numbers. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for Family History Library. These numbers may be used to locate materials in the Family History Library and to order microfilm and microfiche at local Family History Centers of the Family History Library.

The Computer Number Search is the fastest way to find a source in the catalog. Use the computer number if you have access to a computer catalog.


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THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG

The key to finding a record in the Family History Library’s collection is the Family History Library CatalogLook this term up in the glossary.. The catalog describes each of the library’s records and provides the call numbers. It is available on microfiche and on compact disc (for use on FamilySearch™ computers.) The Family History Library has both the compact disc and microfiche versions. All Family History Centers have the microfiche version; and most have the compact disc version.

The microfiche catalog is divided into four searches:

The catalog on compact disc has four searches:

  • Locality
  • Surname
  • Film/Fiche number
  • Computer number

The catalog generally uses the same language that the records are written in to describe the records. The description includes a brief English summary of the content. To find a record, look in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog for:

1. The place where an ancestor lived, such as:

NORTH AMERICA

(region)

CANADA

(country)

ONTARIO

(province)

ONTARIO, BRANT

(province, county)

ONTARIO, BRANT, PARIS

(province, county, city)

2. Then the record type you want, such as:

NORTH AMERICA - GAZETTEERS

CANADA - CENSUS

ONTARIO - LAND AND PROPERTY

ONTARIO, BRANT - PROBATE RECORDS

ONTARIO, BRANT, PARIS - CHURCH RECORDS

The Locality Search is organized according to the county boundaries of 1960. However, in Newfoundland, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, the county level is not used. See also “Gazetteers,” “Historical Geography,” “History,” and “Maps.”

Sometimes you can find the call numbers of many Canadian records by using other searches of the catalog. For example, the Subject Search of the catalog on microfiche lists records of ACADIANS, AMERICAN LOYALISTS, and UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS.

For more information on using the Family History Library Catalog, see a staff member at the library or center. You can also view a short video program or see these instructions:

  • Family History Library Catalog (on compact disc) Resource Guide (34052)
  • Family History Library Catalog(on microfiche) Resource Guide (30968)
  • Using the Family History Library Catalog (30066)


Access to Family History Library Periodicals

Genealogical periodicals contain articles on almost every subject, time period, and locality in family history research. Articles may include instructions, genealogies, transcripts of original records, and other types of information. You can often use these articles to find information that is not available in the Family History Library Catalog.

To find information in genealogical periodicals, use an index to the periodicals, such as the Periodical Source Index (PERSI).

You may find periodicals at these places:

  • The Family History Library, which often loans microform copies of periodicals to Family History Centers.
  • Your local public or university library, where you may be able to get copies through the interlibrary loan system.
  • The Allen County Public Library, which makes copies of periodical articles for a small fee. (See the “Archives and Libraries” section of this outline for the address.)

For more information on how to access periodicals, see the “Periodicals” section of this outline.


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Using This Outline

The “Canadian Search Strategies” section of this outline explains the steps of effective family history research. This is particularly valuable for beginning researchers.

The “Records Selection Table” helps you select records to search. “Records at the Family History Library” describes the library’s Canadian collection. The “Family History Library Catalog” explains how to use the catalog to find specific records in the collection.

Beginning with the “Archives and Libraries” section, the outline discusses, in alphabetical order, the kinds of records or topics used for Canadian research, such as “Church Records” and “Vital Records.” You can look for these topics in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog. Similar kinds of records are grouped under the same heading. For example, in the “Emigration and Immigration” section you will find:

  • The history of immigration into Canada.
  • The history of emigration from Canada to the United States.
  • Passenger lists.
  • Emigration indexes.

At the end of the outline you will find a brief list of “Other Records” and a short bibliography of sources “For Further Reading.”


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CANADIAN SEARCH STRATEGIES


Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family

Begin your research with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they may have. It is very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative already has some family information. Organize the information you find and record it on pedigree charts and family group record forms.


Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn

Select a relative or ancestor born in Canada that you would like to know more about. Choose someone for whom you know at least (1) a name, (2) a town or at least a province where he lived, and (3) an approximate date when he lived there. It is also helpful to know his religion and the names of other family members born in Canada.

Next, decide what you want to learn about your ancestor, such as where and when he was married, or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal you can achieve.


Step 3. Select a Record to Search

Read this outline to learn about the types of records used for Canadian research. To trace your family, you may need to use some of the records described in each section. This outline provides information to help you evaluate the contents, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of the records, as well as the likelihood that your ancestor will be listed. The "Record Selection Table" at the end of this section can also help you decide which records to search.


Background Information Sources.

You may need some geographical and historical information. You can save time and effort by understanding the events and places that affected your ancestors’ lives.

Learn about Canadian jurisdictions. You will need to know how Canada is divided into provinces and territories, and into land office districts and judicial districts which cut across county and other government boundaries. To learn about jurisdictions such as counties, districts, regional and rural municipalities, townships or parishes or lots, and towns, see “Historical Geography” and “Land and Property.”

Understand naming patterns. Many French-speaking families in Canada used alternate surnames. Some immigrants changed their names to sound more English or French. Understanding these customs can help you find your ancestors. See the “Names, Personal” section of this outline.

Compiled Records. Most genealogists first survey research others have done. This can save time and give valuable information. Look for:

Records of previous research are described in “Biography,” “Genealogy,” “History,” “Periodicals,” and “Societies.” These sources may be inaccurate, so you will need to verify information in other records.

Original Research Sources. After you survey previous research, you will be ready to begin original research. This usually means searching microfilm copies of documents handwritten in the native language. These documents give primary information, which is information generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. Search records of:

  • Each place where your ancestor lived.
  • Each parish of your ancestor’s religion in each place of residence.
  • The time period when he lived there.
  • All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him (town, parish, county or district, province, and nation).

Many types of original documents are described in this outline. The most useful for Canadian research are:

  • Census records.
  • Church records.
  • Land and property records.
  • Probate records.
  • Vital records.

When you know the record type you want, look for it in the Family History Library Catalog.


Step 4. Find and Search the Record

Suggestions for Obtaining Records. You may obtain records in these ways and places:

Family History Library
35 North West Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400
USA
  • Family History Centers. Copies of most of the Family History Library’s microfilms can be loaned to its 3,000 Family History Centers. There is a small fee for duplication and postage service.
The library’s books cannot be loaned, but many uncopyrighted books are available on microfilm or microfiche. To get a list of the Family History Centers near you, write to the Family History Library at the address above.

When you request services from libraries or researchers, you will be most successful if your letter is brief and specific. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope when writing within your own country; for other countries, enclose international reply coupons (available from your post office). You will usually need to send a check or money order to pay in advance for photocopies or search services.

Suggestions for Searching the Records. Whenever possible, examine original records rather than transcripts. The originals may not be as easy to read, but they may be more accurate. Follow these principles:

  • Search for one generation at a time. Do not try to connect your family to anyone who lived more than a generation before your proven ancestor. It is easier to prove parentage than descent.
  • Search for an entire family. The records of each person may give clues to other family members. In most families, children were born at regular intervals. If there appears to be a longer period between some children, reexamine the records for a child who may have been overlooked. Consider looking at other records and in other places to find a missing family member.
  • Search each source thoroughly. The information you need to find a person or trace the family further may be a minor detail of the record you are searching. Note the occupation of your ancestor and the names of witnesses, godparents, neighbors, relatives, guardians, and others. Also, note the places they are from.
  • Search a broad time period. Dates obtained from some sources may not be accurate. Look several years before and after the date you think an event, such as a birth, occurred.
  • Look for indexes. Many records have indexes. However, many indexes are incomplete. They may only include the name of the specific person the record is about. They may not include parents, witnesses, and other incidental persons. Also, be aware that the original records may have been misinterpreted or names may have been omitted during indexing.
  • Search for prior residences. Information about previous residences is crucial to continued successful research.
  • Watch for spelling variations. Look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Spelling was not standardized when most early records were made. You may find a name spelled differently than it is today.

Record Your Searches and Findings. Copy the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. Include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search in your research log.


Step 5. Use the Information

Evaluate the information you find. Is your information complete and accurate? Ask these questions:


Share Your Information. Your family can enjoy and learn from your family history. See “Genealogy” for information about the Ancestral File and other ways to share your discoveries. You may want to compile your findings into a family history and share copies with family members, the Family History Library, and other archives.

If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, submit your information and provide temple ordinances for your ancestors. Your ward family history consultant or the Family History Library staff can show you how.


Record Selection Table

RECORD SELECTION TABLE: CANADA
This table can help you decide which records to search. It is most helpful for post-1800 research.1. In column 1 find the goal you selected.2. In column 2 find the types of records most likely to have the information you need.3. In column 3 find additional record types that may be useful.4. Then look for the record type you need in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog.Note: Records of previous research (genealogy, biography, history, periodicals, and societies) are useful for most goals, but are not listed unless they are especially helpful.
1. If You Need 2. Look First In 3. Then Search
Age Census, Vital Records, Church Records Cemeteries, Military Records, Emigration and Immigration
Birth date Vital Records, Church Records Cemeteries, Newspapers, Census
Birthplace Vital Records, Church Records Census, Newspapers
City or parish of foreign birth Church Records, Naturalization and Citizenship, Genealogy, Biography, Vital Records, Newspapers, History, Emigration and Immigration
Country of foreign birth Emigration and Immigration, Census, Naturalization and Citizenship Church Records, Military Records, Vital Records, Newspapers
Death Vital Records, Cemeteries, Probate Records, Church Records Notarial Records, Newspapers, Military Records, Obituaries
Ethnic background Minorities, Native Races, Societies, Church Records, Census Emigration and Immigration, Naturalization and Citizenship
French terms Language and Languages Church Records, Vital Records, Notarial Records
Historical background History, Historical Geography, Periodicals Emigration and Immigration, Minorities
Immigration date Emigration and Immigration, Naturalization and Citizenship Census, Newspapers, Biography, Genealogy, Land and Property
Living relatives (and adoptions) Genealogy, Directories, Court Records, Obituaries Census, Biography, Societies, Church Records, Probate Records
Maiden name, alias names Vital Records, Church Records, Newspapers Cemeteries; Military Records; Probate Records; Names, Personal
Marriage Vital Records, Church Records, Notarial Records, Census, Newspapers Military Records, Probate Records, Land and Property, Cemeteries
Occupation Census, Directories, Emigration and Immigration, Vital Records Newspapers, Biography, Court Records, Business Records and Commerce
Parents, children, and other family members Vital Records, Church Records, Census, Probate Records, Genealogy Obituaries, Emigration and Immigration, Notarial Records, Newspapers, Cemeteries
Physical description Military Records, Biography Vital Records, Genealogy, Emigration and Immigration
Place-finding aids Gazetteers, Maps, History Historical Geography, Periodicals
Places of residence Census, Land and Property History, Military Records
Place (town) of residence when you know only the province Census (indexed), Genealogy, Military Records, Vital Records, Land and Property Biography, Probate Records, History, Emigration and Immigration, Directories
Political subdivision origins and boundaries Gazetteers, Maps, Directories History, Historical Geography
Previous research (compiled genealogy) Genealogy, Periodicals, Societies History, Biography
Record-finding aids Archives and Libraries, Societies Periodicals
Religion Census, Church Records, History Biography, Cemeteries, Obituaries
Social activities History, Biography, Newspapers, Societies Cemeteries, Directories, Obituaries


Map of Canada

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