Below are the resources that are generally available for most time periods. Under each title is a blurb telling you if the resource is available for this time period. For more general information on each resource, how to use it, where to find it, click on the title.
Birth Records
Birth registration was not required. In order to find a record of birth during this time period you will have to utilize other resources such as Church Records, Cemetery Records, Court Records, and even Miscellany Records.
Books
Books are an often overlooked resource especially now that the internet appears to have all the information you need at your fingertips. Local histories, period histories, and even transcripts are available, not just locally, but worldwide. Is your ancestor hiding in a book?
Cemetery Records
Finding a cemetery record for this time period could be hit or miss. Most people were either buried on family land, or in their church cemetery (what was their religion?).
Census Records
Starting in 1851 a census was taken every ten years. The 1851 census actually took two years to complete and is often referred to as the 1851/52 census. The 1851 census is available on microfilm.
Church Records
During the early years of Canada West there were religious restrictions. When England claimed Canada as their colony they hoped to create an Anglican nation. However as more and more immigrants arrived it was clear they wanted Freedom of Religion, and bit by bit they won that right. But for genealogists seeking their ancestors this can be a tricky search if your ancestor was not part of a religion that was legally permitted to practice certain rites in Ontario. Until 1858 the only churchs permitted to perform certain church rites were: Anglican, Baptist, Calvinist, Catholic, Church of Scotland, Congregationalist, Dunkers, Independent, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian and Presbyterian churchs. After 1858 all religions could perform their duties.
Citizenship/Naturalization Records
If your ancestor was a British subject (born in Canada, England, or one of England's colonies) you will not find a Citizenship or Naturalization Record because they were already considered a citizen. If your ancestor was born elsewhere they were eligible to apply for Citizenship or Naturalization after living in Canada for three years and declaring loyalty to the British Crown.
Court Records
Coroner RecordsCorrectional RecordsGuardianship RecordsSurrogate CourtWills & Estate Files
Death Records
Death registration was not required. In order to find a record of death during this time period you will have to utilize other resources such as Church Records, Cemetery Records, Court Records, and even Miscellany Records.
Funeral Records
As Funeral Homes were rarely used prior to the late 1800's it's quite likely you will not find a Funeral Record for this time period.
Emigration Records
Not available for this time period
Immigration Records
Quarantine RecordsShip Lists: If your ancestor was a British subject, or arrived by ship prior to 1865 it's possible but unlikely you'll find them on a ship passenger list.Train Records
Land Records
Land PatentsTownship Papers
Marriage Records
For marriages that occurred 1850-1858 there are the District Marriage Registers. For marriages 1858-1859 there are County Marriage Registers.
Military Records
Some records are available
Misc Records
DirectoriesNewspapersBiographiesFraternal OrganizationsEmployment RecordsEducation RecordsAlumni Records
Do you know of another resource that could be used to research this time period?
