Canada Census Mortality Schedules - FamilySearch Historical Records

This wiki article describes a collection that is scheduled to become available for free online at FamilySearch Record Search.

Collection Time Period
The official enumeration date for this census was April 2, 1871; however the ages given in the census were to be the ages at their next birthday.

Collection History
Following the Constitution Act, 1867, census taking became a federal mandate. The first census was set for 1871 and every ten years thereafter. Therefore, the first national Canadian census was conducted in 1871. Enumeration was by census district, except for Prince Edward Island, which was enumerated by lot number. Census districts were voting districts, not counties, although most have the same names as counties. For the most part, census districts were synonymous with cities and counties, and sub districts were synonymous with towns, townships, and city wards. Villages, small towns, and parishes were generally enumerated as part of the township in which they were located. Census district and county boundaries were not always the same.

Why This Collection Was Created
Mortality schedules are a national level file of death registers. Using the death information, you can search for obituaries, mortuary records, cemeteries, and probate records, all of which may provide additional genealogical information. Mortality schedules also list ages and birthplaces for a time period when births were not always reported. Use this information to look for other records that may provide information about the individual, parents, and siblings.

Collection Reliability
Census mortality schedules are usually accurate, but this accuracy depended on the knowledge of the informant and the care of the census enumerator.

Collection Description
The schedules consist of large preprinted forms filled in by the census enumerators. The forms are printed in French.

Record Content
Information found in Census Mortality Schedules: • Name of Deceased • Age of Deceased • Born in the last 12 months • Religion • Place of Birth • Month of death • Cause of death • Marital status • Profession or Occupation

How to Use the Collection
Using the death information, you can search for obituaries, mortuary records, cemeteries, and probate records, all of which may provide additional genealogical information. Mortality schedules also list ages and birthplaces for a time period when births were not always reported. Use this information to look for other records that may provide information about the individual, parents, and siblings.

Related Websites
Library and Archives Canada

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Sources of Information for this Collection
Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

Related Wiki Articles
Canada Census

Canada 1871 Census Index

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