Norway, Census, 1891 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Norway

Why Should I Look at This Collection?
This census enumerates all persons in Norway on 2 January 1891. Separate schedules were kept for sailing vessels. The census was ordered by royal decree 31 October 1890. In rural areas the population was canvassed by a door-to-door enumerator, while in the cities the head of household was required to provide the information.

What is in This Collection?
The 1891 census is made up of three forms: Hovedliste (Main list), Husliste (House list), and Personseddel (Person list). Each community is divided into one or more tellingskrets (enumeration district).

In rural areas the Hovedlist gives the tax registration number of each farm and sub-farm. In cities the house number and name of the head of household are given. The Hovedliste is used as an index to the Husliste. The Husliste gives the total number of persons in each dwelling, and divides that out by the number of males and females present, visiting, or temporarily away. The Personseddel gives specific details about each person in the household.

Reading These Records
These records are in Norwegian. For help reading these records see the following guides:
 * Norway Language and Languages
 * Norwegian Language Information
 * Norwegian Word List

What Can These Records Tell Me?
This census contains the following information for each person:
 * Name
 * Position in family
 * Marital status
 * Birth year and place
 * Nationality
 * Occupation
 * Physical handicaps

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Norway.
 * Norway Guided Research
 * Norway Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.