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Optional Print Course Material: Canadian: Census Records - Part 1
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Census records are a pivotal source in trying to document our ancestry. They are among the most useful and commonly utilized records available to genealogists. By documenting the individuals and families in each census year, they provide a snapshot of what was happening at that time. This course will instruct the student in how to access Canadian census records and how to analyze the information provided. Differences between rural and urban censuses will be examined. Suggestions for using census substitutes, census finding aids, and resources will also be provided. A short history of census records in Canada is included.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
Introduction to Census Records
Types of Census Records
Heads of Households
Nominal
Specialized Census Records
Where to Find Census Records
Reading Census Records
Tips to Read Difficult Census Pages
MODULE 2
When I locate my family in a census record, what do I get?
Column Headings
Agricultural Schedules
Locating an Individual in a Rural Census
1851 Census
1861 Census
1871 Census
1881 & 1891 Census
1901 Census
1911 Census
1921 Census
MODULE 3
What if an ancestor cannot be located in the index?
Locating an Individual in a Large City
George Gill Family of Montréal
Rev. John A. Turnbull of Toronto
Locating an Individual in a Rural Area
Census Aids
MODULE 4
How accurate is the information contained in census records?
Census Records & the Information Within
Comparing Census Information
What to Look for When Comparing Records
Specialized Information in Various Census Years (1851 -1931)
MODULE 5
What if I still can't find them?
Overcoming Challenges
Census Substitute Records
Tax Assessment Rolls, Regional or Localized Census Records, & Poll Taxes
Voters Lists
Directories
National Registration File of 1940
Specialized Websites for Census Records
Additional Resources
MODULE 6
Locating Census Resources
Other Resources
Genealogical & Historical Societies
Census Projects
Bibliography