Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
This record consists of census records for Lower Canada during the year 1831.

Record Description
This record consists of an index and images of census records for Lower Canada, more recently called the province of Quebec. Census returns are recorded on large sheets of paper that are divided into rows and columns. The schedules were arranged by province, then further divided into census districts and subdistricts.

Record Content
The general genealogical facts found in the 1831 Lower Canada Census include:


 * Name of Head of each Family
 * Occupation
 * Number of Inhabitants
 * Locality/Sub-district
 * County/District
 * Volume Number
 * DGS Number
 * Page Number
 * Image Number
 * Title
 * Reference
 * Microfilm Reel Number

Other genealogical facts include:


 * Produce raised in the course of last year
 * Number of Livestock
 * Number of Buildings in the county
 * Males (Number of Scholars in college)
 * Females (Number of Scholars in college)
 * The names of persons by whom the Return has been made for each county

How to Use the Record
Canadian census records are the best source for quickly identifying a family group and their residence. Use the residence, birthplace, and age given in the census to search other record types.

Record History
The Lower Canada census was created to enumerate the population. Although the first national Canadan census did not occur until 1871, many local and colonial censuses were taken before this date. The Lower Canada Census 1831 is an example of a census created before the Confederation of Canada in 1867.

Why the Record Was Created
Canadian census records were taken to enumerate the population for representation, taxation, and other purposes.

Record Reliability
Censuses are generally reliable, depending on the knowledge of the informant and the care taken by the census enumerator. Information may have been given to a census taker by any family member or by a neighbor, so some information may be incorrect or may have been deliberately falsified.

Related Websites

 * Censuses of Canada 1665 to 1871
 * Canadian census records for Valcartier, Quebec

Related Wiki Articles

 * Canada Census
 * Lower Canada Census 1842 (FamilySearch Historical Collection)

Known Issues with This Collection
Problem #1--Some images will not load or appear as a black screen. Problem #2--When browsing the collection, images switch to another collection. Problem #3--There are duplicate records in the collection.

How to Cite Records in This Collection
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the Wiki Article: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Examples of a Source Citation for this Collection

 * “Delaware Marriage Records,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 4 March 2011), entry for William Anderson and Elizabeth Baynard Henry, married 23 November 1913; citing marriage certificate no. 859; FHL microfilm 2,025,063; Delaware Bureau of Archives and Records Management, Dover.
 * “El Salvador Civil Registration,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 21 March 2011), entry for Jose Maria Antonio del Carmen, born 9 April 1880; citing La Libertad, San Juan Opico, Nacimientos 1879-1893, image 50; Ministerio Archivo Civil de la Alcaldia Municipal de San Salvador.

Sources of Information for This Collection
Canada. Lower Canada Census 1831. Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.Canada. Lower Canada Census 1831. Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

The suggested format for citing FamilySearch Historical Collections is found in the following article: How to Create Source Citations For FamilySearch Historical Records Collections.