Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831 - FamilySearch Historical Records

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.

This record consists of census records for Lower Canada during the year 1831. 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 data and images published on FamilySearch.org Historical Records. It may include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

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
To search this collection, you should have the following information at hand:


 * Ancestors name
 * Place of birth
 * Age
 * Occupation

Using the Information

When you have found the information that you are looking for you can:


 * Calculate the age on the census for an approximate birth date
 * Find out the father's occupation, that will help you in searching for a full birth date and place for your ancestor

Searching the index

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 compare the information about more than one person to find your ancestor.

Searching the images

To search the collection by image, select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the “County/District” ⇒Select the “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 which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

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.

Related Websites

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

Related Wiki Articles

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

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
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 Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831," database and digital images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VVMQ-LB6 : accessed 2 May 2012), Daniel Norton, Stanbridge, Missisquoi, Quebec, Canada; Lower Canada Census Records, 1831.Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.