Canada Census, 1891 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Canadian Census 1891 Index--This wiki article describes a collection that is available for free online at FamilySearch Record Search--Pilot Site. To access the collection, see Canadian Census 1891 Index.

Collection Time Period:
The first national Canadian census was conducted in 1891.

Collection 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 third national Canadian census was conducted in 1891. Enumeration was by census district. 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 subdistricts 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 this Collection Was Created:
Canadian census records were taken to enumerate the population for representation, taxation, and other purposes.

Collection Reliability:
The accuracy of the census depended on the knowledge of the informant as anyone in the household, or even neighbors, could give information to the census taker. Some information may have been incorrect or falsified.

Collection Description:
Census schedules were taken on large sheets of paper with preprinted rows and columns. The categories are in both English and French. The schedules were organized by province and then by census districts and subdistricts. This collection of the 1891 census contains the population schedules for the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories (Alberta, Assiniboia, and Saskatchewan).

Collection Content:

 * Important genealogical information in the census includes:
 * Full name
 * Age (can be used to calculate an approximate birth year)
 * Sex
 * Relation to head of family
 * Born within the last 12 months
 * Country or province of birth
 * Religion
 * Occupation
 * Married or widowed

Town, village, township, or subdistrict of residence

How to Use the Collection
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 for each person to search other record types. Since the census attempted to record all the people living in a household, it may identify individuals for whom other records do not exist.

Bibligraphic Information
Microfilm held at Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario