Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This Collection will include records for 1831.

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.

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 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
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.

Beginning Your Search

To search this collection, it would be helpful if you knew the following information:


 * Ancestors name
 * Place of birth
 * Age
 * Occupation

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.

Be aware there may be inaccuracies such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

Browsing the Images

To browse this collection you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒ Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page ⇒Select the “County/District” category ⇒Select the “Locality/Sub-district” category which will take you to the images.

Look at each image 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

Can't Find Any 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

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

 * 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.