Genealogy Chat

I've just been comparing the 1901 census to the 1911 census for my grandmother's family and noticed that the years of birth do not match (for the children). 'Alfred' was born in Dec 1897 on both census, however, 'Sophie' was born in Dec 1890/1891; 'Harriette' was born in Sep 1888/1890, etc. There were 7 children and only one (Alfred) had the same birth year on both census; the rest were off by 1 or 2 years.

One rellie has a birth year of 1876 and his birthday has wandered a couple of days from the certificate issued in 1867. Because there is so much more information that there is on English censuses, I assumed that it was correct, but it seems subject to the same degree of error as any other record.

Yes, I remember the first time I looked at the Canadian census, I thought, 'Wow, it gives actual birthdates!' and got very confused with assuming they were correct, till I realised they were just as likely to be inaccurate as the ages on any other census! Kate.

Not only can the ages be 'off', one census taker had a problem with spelling: Gracei, Charllotte, Lousie, Sofia, etc. But at least all of the information was there, which was very rewarding. :)

You will know better than I do, Lisa: is it the case that the details are not entered strictly by address, as would be the case in this country (at least for the 1841 - 1901 censuses)? I'm sure that I found another site, possibly for British Columbia, that listed everyone by address, and the order was different from the original images.

Phoenix, I'm not sure. I know when I found one relative on the 1901 (image) I mentioned the relatives and their neighbour to my mum, as I had heard the neighbour's name before. My mum said 'oh yes, they lived next door' so in that case, it was by address.