Finland, Viipuri, Tax Lists - FamilySearch Historical Records

Why Should I Look at This Collection?
While the primary purpose of these records was the assessment of taxes, they also serve as a quinquennial (every five years) census of most of the population for the years 1810 to 1915. In 1809, during the Finnish War between Sweden and Russia, the occupied portions of Finland pledged their allegiance to Tsar Alexander I of Russia in return for allowing Finland to keep their laws and religion. The Treaty of Frederiksham ceded Finland to the Russian Empire as the Autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland (Suomen suuriruhtinaskunta or Storfurstendömet Finland), and the Tsar assumed the title Grand Duke of Finland. This relationship lasted until 1917 when Finland declared independence following the Russian October Revolution.

What is in This Collection?
This collection consists of tax lists for the county of Viipuri. It includes only the following years: 1817-1838, 1840-1883, 1892, 1903, 1904, 1915.

Index and images of tax lists which were recorded every 5 years beginning in 1810 and continuing to 1915. These documents are called "henkikirjat" in Finnish and mantallslängder in Swedish. The index includes those individuals who were recorded with first and last names or patronymics, usually the head of household or property owner. The images may also include given names, ages, and relationships of other family and household members.

Reading These Records
These records are written in Swedish and Finnish. For help reading these records see the following:
 * Finnish Genealogical Word List
 * Finnish Language Characteristics
 * Finland Handwriting
 * Swedish Genealogical Word List
 * Sweden Handwriting

What Can These Records Tell Me?
This record gives the names of all persons resident who are eligible to pay taxes. In addition to their names it generally provides their age or birth year, occupation, and relationship to the head of household. The information varies over time, and is generally more complete in later years. It also identifies the number of persons eligible to pay taxes, the number of persons exempt, their religious affiliation and after 1810 may also indicate if any hold a Russian passport.

1810, 1815, 1820, 1825, 1830
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

1835, 1840, 1845
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

1850, 1855, 1860
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

1865, 1870, 1875
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

1880, 1885
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

1890
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

1895, 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915
The following fields on this census may contain valuable genealogical information.

Collection Content
These records generally include the following:
 * Persons's name
 * Age
 * Occupation
 * Residence

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the person
 * Where they lived
 * What years they were there

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?
Update your records and determine if there is any new information supplied by this record. Decide how this information can help you continue your search to find additional information.

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Consider expanding your search to neighboring villages. Consult a Finnish gazetteer to help you identify nearby areas.
 * Check the parish registers to see if the individual died or moved to another parish.
 * The person recording the information may have recorded the person with their name in Swedish or Finnish. Make sure you look for both forms of the name.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Finland.
 * Finland Guided Research
 * Finland Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

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.