Canada, Lower Canada Census, 1842 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
This collection covers the 1842 census.

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 identifiy family groups and verify information found in other sources.

Record Description
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.

Record Content
Records in this collection usually contain the following information:


 * Name of the head of each family
 * Head of family's trade or profession
 * Number of people living in the family
 * Nationality of each person in the family
 * Marital status of each person in the family
 * Religion of each person in the family

Record History
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.

Why the Record Was Created
This census was created to record and ennumerate the population in the British controlled parts of Canada.

Record Reliability
Census records are generally reliable, but are sometimes subject to inaccurate spellings and accidental or intentional falsification.

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 and allow you to avoid duplicate searches later. 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, to avoid duplicating searches without findings.

A suggested format for citations created to document information found in the Wiki Article: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Items of interest in a citation include:


 * Name of the person mentioned in the document
 * File, folder or jacket number
 * Locality
 * Record type
 * Page number
 * Line number
 * Date of entry
 * Digital identification number
 * Film number

You are invited to add source citations for a record in this collection.

Examples of Source Citations for a Record in This Collection:

 * United States. Bureau of the Census. 12th census, 1900, digital images, From FamilySearch Internet (www.familysearch.org: September 29, 2006), Arizona Territory, Maricopa, Township 1, East Gila, Salt River Base and Meridian; sheet 9B, line 71
 * Mexico, Distrito Federal, Catholic Church Records, 1886-1933, digital images, from FamilySearch Internet (www.familysearch.org: April 22, 2010), Baptism of Adolfo Fernandez Jimenez, 1 Feb. 1910, San Pedro Apóstol, Cuahimalpa, Distrito Federal, Mexico, film number 0227023

Sources of information for This Collection
Canada. Lower Canada Census 1842. Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.