Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
This record consists of census records for Lower Canada during the year 1831.

Record Description
This record consists of an index and images of census records for Lower Canada, more recently called the province of Quebec. Census returns are recorded on large sheets of paper that are divided into rows and columns. The schedules were arranged by province, then further divided into census districts and subdistricts.

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

Record Content
The general genealogical facts found in the 1831 Lower Canada Census include:


 * Name of Head of each Family
 * Occupation
 * Number of Inhabitants
 * Locality/Sub-district
 * County/District
 * Volume Number
 * DGS Number
 * Page Number
 * Image Number
 * Title
 * Reference
 * Microfilm Reel Number

Other genealogical facts include:




 * Produce raised in the course of last year
 * Number of Livestock
 * Number of Buildings in the county
 * Males (Number of Scholars in college)
 * Females (Number of Scholars in college)
 * The names of persons by whom the Return has been made for each county

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.

Record History
The Lower Canada census was created to enumerate the population. Although the first national Canadan census did not occur until 1871, many local and colonial censuses were taken before this date. The Lower Canada Census 1831 is an example of a census created before the Confederation of Canada in 1867.

Why the Record Was Created
Canadian census records were taken to enumerate the population for representation, taxation, and other purposes.

Record Reliability
Censuses are generally reliable, depending on the knowledge of the informant and the care taken by the census enumerator. Information may have been given to a census taker by any family member or by a neighbor, so some information may be incorrect or may have been deliberately falsified.

Related Websites

 * Censuses of Canada 1665 to 1871
 * Canadian census records for Valcartier, Quebec

Related Wiki Articles

 * Canada
 * Canada Census
 * Lower Canada Census 1842 (FamilySearch Historical Collection)

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the data and images published on FamilySearch.org Historical Records. It may include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Canada. Lower Canada Census 1831. Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.Canada. Lower Canada Census 1831. Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

Information about creating source citations for FamilySearch Historical Collections is listed in the wiki article Help:How to Create Source Citations For FamilySearch Historical Records Collections.

How to Cite Records in This Collection
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.

Example of a Source Citation for a Record Found in This Collection
"Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1831," database and digital images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 29 February 2012), Daniel Norton, 1831; citing Canadian Census Records, FHL digital folder 004,569,476; Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Lower Canada Census 1831. Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.