Australia, South Australia, Census, 1841 - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains an index to and images of census records from the state of South Australia for the year 1841. The original records are held at the State Records Office of South Australia.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following list indicates potential information given in these records. It must be remembered that every record may not provide all of the listed information, as record-keeping practices often varied by time and location.

Census Records may contain:
 * Place of residence
 * First initial and surname of head of household
 * Number of males and females under the age of 7
 * Number of males and females with ages above 6 to below 14
 * Number of males and females with ages 14 to below 21
 * Number of males and females with ages 21 to below 35
 * Number of males and females with ages 35 to below 50
 * Number of males and females with ages above 50

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching, it is best to know the following information: As you search, look for a record which matches this information.
 * Name of the person
 * City where they lived

Search the Index

 * 1) Go to the 
 * 2) Fill in the search boxes with the information you have
 * 3) Click Search to bring up a list of possible matches

View the Images

 * 1) Go to the  for the collection
 * 2) Click on the correct District link
 * 3) Click on the correct Record Type and Year Range link to open the image viewer
 * 4) Use the onscreen controls to move between record images as you look for a match

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?

 * Make sure to fully transcribe and cite the record entry for future reference. See below for assistance in citing this collection. Save or print a copy of the image if possible.
 * Use the information which has been discovered to find more. For instance, use the surname to check on property records, or use clues from the age ranges to search for marriage and birth records
 * Check for same surnames within an area to determine any relationship

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

 * When looking for a person with a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which individual is correct. Use other information, such as place of birth, age, occupation, or names of parents, to determine which candidate is the correct person. If listed, a personal title may be a clue to property ownership or occupation, either of which might be noted in other records.
 * Check for variants of given names, surnames, and place names; transcription errors could occur in any record. Also remember that it was not uncommon for an individual be listed under a nickname or an abbreviation of their name. See Abbreviations Found in Genealogy Records for examples of common abbreviations.
 * Vary the search terms. For example, search by either the given name or surname to return broader list of possible candidates which can then be examined for matches.
 * Search the records of nearby locations. While it was uncommon for an individual in this period to move more than about 20 miles from their place of birth, smaller relocations were not uncommon.
 * Look at the actual image of the record to verify the information found in the online description, if possible.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Australia.
 * Record Finder
 * Australia 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.