Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1842 - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection covers the 1842 census which covers modern province of Quebec. Census returns are recorded on large sheets of paper that are divided into rows and columns. The schedules were arranged by locality. The records are mostly in English; however some contain French.

This census was created to record and enumerate the population in the British-controlled parts of Canada.

The Lower Canada census was created to enumerate the population. Although the first national Canadian census did not occur until 1871, many local and colonial censuses were taken before this date. The Lower Canada Census 1842 is an example of a census created before the confederation of Canada in 1867

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Census
 * Name of the head of each family
 * Whether or not proprietor of real property
 * Whether or not entitled to vote
 * Profession, occupation or trade of head of family
 * Total number of persons living in each family
 * Total number, male and female, temporarily absent

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The name of a relative or date of the event

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?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the ages listed to determine approximate birth dates and find the family in additional censuses
 * Use the information found in the record to find church and vital records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death records
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records
 * Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900

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

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

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

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Doris Bourrie. Researching Canadian census records. 2nd ed. Toronto, Ontario : Heritage Productions, 2003. FS Library 971 X27b 2003
 * Dave Obee ; Jutta Missal, ed., Counting Canada : a genealogical guide to the Canadian census Victoria, British Columbia : D. Obee, c2012. FS Library 971 X27o
 * Census returns : 1842
 * Lower Canada land petitions and related records, 1637-1842

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831

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.

Canadá, Censo de Canadá Inferior, 1842 (Registros históricos de FamilySearch) Canadá Inferior, Censo, 1842 (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)