Canada Census Mortality Schedules - FamilySearch Historical Records

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.

Record 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 the Record 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.

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

Record 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 Record
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.

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
Library and Archives Canada

Related Wiki Articles

 * Canada
 * Canada Census

Citation for This Collection
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Citation for Records Found in This Collection
"Canada Census Mortality Schedules, 1871." database, FamilySearch https://familysearch.org. accessed March 4, 2011), Mary Adams, age 57; citing Archive Records, FHL microfilm 4,397,652; Ontario Archives, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.