Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1842 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Title in the Language of the Record
Canada, recensement du Bas-Canada

Record Description
This collection covers the 1842 census. Census returns are recorded on large sheets of paper that are divided into rows and columns. The schedules were arranged by locality. The records are mostly in English with some in French.

This census was created to record and enumerate the population in the British controlled parts of Canada.

The Lower Canada census was created to enumerate the population. Although the first national Canadian census did not occur until 1871, many local and colonial censuses were taken before this date. The Lower Canada Census 1842 is an example of a census created before the confederation of Canada in 1867.

For a list of records by date or locality currently published in this collection, select the Browse link from the collection landing page.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.

Record Content
These records usually contain the following information:


 * Name of the head of each family
 * Whether or not proprietor of real property
 * Whether or not entitled to vote
 * Profession, occupation or trade of head of family
 * Total number of persons living in each family
 * Total number, male and female, temporarily absent

How to Use the Record
To begin your search, it would be helpful if you knew the following information:


 * Name of head of household
 * Approximate year and place of residence
 * Number of family members

Search the Collection
Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the ancestors in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. 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.

To search the collection image by image select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page: ⇒ Select the appropriate "County/District" ⇒ Select the appropriate "Locality/Sub-district" which will take you to the images.

Look at the images one by one 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.

General Information About These Records
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. This census only records the name of the head of household, but that information can be used to identify family groups and verify information found in other sources.

Known Issues with This Collection
For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites

 * Gore Township 1842 Census Index
 * Censuses of Canada 1665-1871

Related Wiki Articles

 * Canada Census
 * Canada Census 1851
 * Lower Canada Census 1831 (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
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A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.