Peterborough County Census Records
Canadian
Census returns vary. The first general Ontario census
was taken in 1842, 1848 and 1851 but not all survive.
There
are scattered Ontario Census records before 1842 but each area
took its own census, so researchers need to check the
book of available census returns (found in any public
library of Ontario or at the Archives) to find out what
years are available in each location.
Some
areas have census records as early as 1783. Censuses up
to 1850 are heads of household only but give genealogy and family information
such as how many children, and their ages.
Canadian Census
records after 1851 which are available to the public were
taken in 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911. They give
information on all household members - name, age, gender,
country of birth, religion, ethnic origin, occupation,
marital status and education. Some provide immigration
years. See Questions Asked on Ontario Census Reports An important genealogicaly treasure found in Canadian Census records is the Agricultural Census. Agricultural returns provide information such as lot and concession number, acreage, livestock and agricultural products. For the 1851 and 1861 Census, the agricultural returns are listed by the name of the head-of-household. The agricultural returns for 1881, 1891 and 1901 were not retained
Several
sites have Canadian Census Projects underway which allow you to
find ancestors in Canada Census records from 1851 to 1911.
Search Canadian
Census Records online for your ancestors.
There
is also a 1940-1946 Census Substitute called The
National Registration File of 1940. This registration
resulted from the compulsory registration of all persons,
16 years of age or older, in the period from 1940 to 1946.
This is another way to find an ancestor in that time period.
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