Russia, Karelia Poll Tax Census (Revision Lists) - FamilySearch Historical Records

Russia

What is in This Collection?
This collection will include records from 1782-1858. Images of family lists for the tax-paying population (about 95% of the population) conducted primarily in the years 1782, 1795, 1811, 1816, 1833-1834, 1850-1851, and 1857-1858. Some outlying years are included. Localities reflect the places that existed during the period of the Russian Empire since the records were created at that time. Please note these exceptions when working on Russian genealogy.

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. These images can be viewed online by members of the supporting organization(s), at a family history center near you, or the Family History Library.

For additional information about image restrictions, please see the Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections page.

Reading These Records
For help reading these Russian records see the following guides:
 * Russian Language and Languages
 * Russian Genealogical Word List
 * Russian Handwriting
 * FamilySearch Learning Center videos:
 * Reading Russian Handwritten Records

How Do I Search the Collection?
To browse by image:

⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the "Губерния" (Province) category ⇒Select the "Уезд" (District) category ⇒Select the “Даты/Том" (Date range) category which takes you to the images Search the collection by image, comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.

The information in records is usually reliable, but depends upon the knowledge of the person who gave the household information to the enumerator (census person visiting the house). When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct. Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have lived in the same area or a nearby area.

I Found Who I was Looking for, What Now?
Use your ancestor's age to find an approximate birth year to begin your search in church or civil records. Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have moved, joined the military, or lived nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.

Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual. This compiled list can help you identify possible relations that can be further verified by researching vital records indexes in the country. When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details such as a title, an occupation, or land ownership. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors.

Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, What Now?

 * Switch to a different record collection. Depending on the time period, either Civil Registration records or Church Records may be more useful
 * While searching, it is helpful to know such information as the ancestor’s given name and surname, birth date, residence and age, and family relationships
 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor. Compile all the names, as this may help narrow your search when research vital records
 * Search the indexes and records of local genealogical societies
 * Earlier records may not contain as much information as the records created after the late 1800
 * There is also some variation in the information given from one record to another

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.
 * Collection Citation:

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