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
Until 1869 birth registration was not required. If your ancestor was affiliated with a church you may find a birth record within parish registers; See Church Records for more information.
In 1869 the Vital Statistics Act was introduced, requiring all births to be registered. However, not all births were registered as this Act wasn't enforced until the 1880's.
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 1861 census is available on microfilm.
Church Records
Depending on the religion of the church records you're seeking you may, or may not, be successful with your search.
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 RecordsDivorce RecordsGuardianship RecordsSurrogate CourtWills & Estate Files
Death Records
Until 1869 death registration was not required. If your ancestor was affiliated with a church you may find a death record within parish registers; See Church Records for more information.
In 1869 the Vital Statistics Act was introduced, requiring all deaths to be registered. However, not all deaths were registered as this Act wasn't enforced until the 1880's.
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 PatentsOntario Land Registry OfficeTownship Papers
Marriage Records
For marriages that occurred 1860-1868 there are County Marriage Registers. In 1869 the Vital Statistics Act was introduced requiring all marriages to be registered. However, not all marriages were registered as this Act wasn't enforced until the 1880's.
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?
