Canada, Prince Edward Island Census, 1861 - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
These records include a population census of Prince Edward Island that was recorded in 1861. Prince Edward Island was not yet part of the Dominion of Canada. The records also includes agricultural censuses at the end of each county or township. Census schedules were taken on large sheets of paper with pre-printed rows and columns. They are bound into volumes, arranged by county, then by township and enumeration district. Canadian census records were taken to enumerate the population for representation, taxation, and other purposes.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Census
 * Name of head of household
 * Number and age of individuals in household
 * Birthplace
 * Age
 * Race
 * Religion
 * Residence
 * Profession of head of household

How Do I Search This Collection?
To begin your search it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The name of a relative or date of the event

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.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Cite the record. See below for help citing this collection
 * Look at an image of the original record. The original may contain information that was not recorded in the index. To find a copy of the original record, visit the Library and Archives, Ottawa page


 * Use the information you have found to find the person in census records * 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 the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This can help you find possible relatives
 * Search the records of nearby areas
 * Check for other names. An individual might appear under an unexpected name for a variety of reasons:
 * They might have been listed under a middle name, nickname, or abbreviation of their given name
 * A woman may have returned to her maiden name after the death of her husband

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Prince Edward Island.
 * Record Finder

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.