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The 1861 census is very significant for genealogists researching Cumberland County because, for many communities, it provides the first census returns that have survived. While some of the surviving fragments of the 1827 census cover parts of the County, the 1838 census was not originally taken for Cumberland County and the 1851 census has not survived.

The file CU_CENS1.DAT is an index to the heads of household. The original returns (widely available on microfilm) give a statistical breakdown for the household (how many men, women, and children in each age range). No other names are listed in the original returns! The first full nominal census returns for Nova Scotia begin with the Federal census of 1871.

For purposes of enumeration, the County is divided into polling divisions. The census returns are further divided into abstracts, listing 39 names on each page. I have extracted and indexed the data from the polling divisions of Westchester, Wentworth, Pugwash, and Wallace.

The code after each name identifies the source. The letter identifies the polling division and the number indicates in which abstract the family will be found. The division codes are as follows:

A = Westchester
B = Wentworth
C = Pugwash
D= Wallace

This file may be freely distributed in any form, including publication, as long as credit is given to me for the original compilation. I would very much appreciate a courtesy copy of any publication making substantial use of this file.

January 19, 1997
Jonathan H. Davidson