Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1842 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Title in the Language of the Record
Canada, recensement du Bas-Canada

Record Description
This collection covers the 1842 census. 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 with some in French.

For a list of records by date or locality currently published in this collection, select the Browse link from the collection landing page.

This census was created to record and ennumerate 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.

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 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 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. This census only records the name of the head of household, but that information can be used to identify family groups and verify information found in other sources.

Beginning Your Search To begin your search, it would be helpful if you knew the following information:


 * Ancestor's name
 * Birth place
 * Birth place of parents

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.

Searching 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 one by one 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.

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

 * Gore Township 1842 Census Index
 * Censuses of Canada 1665-1871

Related Wiki Articles

 * Canada Census
 * Canada Census 1851
 * Lower Canada Census 1831 (FamilySearch Historical Records)

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.