Statistics

Census graphs

Sources

Statistics for the population of New Brunswick by county in 1824, 1834, 1840 and 1851 were taken from New Brunswick’s 1851 census as published in the 1852 Appendices of the Journal of the House of Assembly (RS1). Statistics for 1861 were obtained from New Brunswick’s 1861 census as published in the 1862 Appendices, and those for 1871 were sourced from the published edition of the first federal census of Canada. Note that some counties had not been formed at the time of some of the earlier census.

Introduction

The information found in census records is highly valued by many types of researchers. Containing information on the makeup of the population, these records speak volumes about immigration and its influence on the growth of a country or region. New Brunswick censuses pinpoint the development taking place and reveal the extent of immigration, in particular that of the Irish, in the province.

In the year following a census in New Brunswick aggregates of the census results were published in the Appendices of the Journal of the House of Assembly (RS1). Therefore, the 1851 and 1861 census statistics were published in the 1852 and 1862 Appendices. These censuses were unique, as unlike previous population statistics such as those gathered in 1841, they enumerated the numbers of immigrants living in New Brunswick from England, Scotland, Ireland, other British Possessions, and other Countries by county. See figure 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.

In 1871 New Brunswick was enumerated in the first federal census of Canada. Not unlike New Brunswick’s own censuses this published census recorded by province, district and county the “Birth Places of the People,” signifying the number of immigrants and from which country they emigrated. In addition, the same census also recorded “Origins of the People,” providing the ethnicity or background of the population of each district and county in New Brunswick. This census is significant then, as it not only enumerated those who were Irish born, but also denoted those of Irish origin, the latter therefore including second or third generation descendants of Irish immigrants. See figure 1.5 and 1.6.

Finally, when New Brunswick’s population statistics, gathered over the course of the mid eighteen hundreds, are combined they illustrate the growth of the province through immigration at this integral period.  Areas where growth due to immigration was particularly strong stand out and the burgeoning population is apparent. See figure 1.7.

Figure 1.1

1851 Population Makeup by County

Statistics taken from New Brunswick’s 1851 census demonstrate the portion of the total population of each county that were immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland, other British possessions, or other countries.

The numbers of Native Born persons in each county were calculated as the difference between the total population of the county and the total number of immigrants in the county.

Through these statistics it is apparent that by 1851 each county in New Brunswick had a substantial immigrant population. The numbers illustrate in what areas of the province particular immigrant populations were represented. For example, particularly heavy immigrant populations are visible in Saint John, with a total population of 38,475, 12,872 claimed to be Irish immigrants. In Restigouche a large Scottish immigrant population is apparent.

Figure 1.2

1851 Immigrant Population by County

Statistics taken from New Brunswick’s 1851 census reveal the makeup of New Brunswick’s immigrant population by county. Immigrant numbers are the same as those used in Figure 1.1 but are set out in relation to the total immigrant population instead of the native born population.

By comparing solely the immigrant populations from England, Scotland, Ireland, other British Possessions, and Foreign Countries the immigrant makeup of each county is revealed. The large percentage of Irish making up New Brunswick’s immigrant population during this period is easily apparent, as in each county, except for Restigouche and Kent, where the Scottish form the majority of the immigrant population, the Irish make up the majority of the immigrant population.

Figure 1.3

1861 Population Makeup by County

Statistics taken from New Brunswick’s 1861 census show how many individuals were native born compared to those born in England, Scotland, Ireland, other British possessions, or foreign countries.

The numbers of Native Born persons in each county were calculated as the difference between the total population of the county and the total number of immigrants in the county.

Through these statistics it is apparent that by 1851 each county in New Brunswick had a substantial immigrant population. The numbers illustrate in what areas of the province particular immigrant populations were largest. For example, significant immigrant populations are visible in Saint John. With a total population of 48,874, 12,598 claimed to be Irish immigrants, a slight drop from the numbers of born Irish in 1851. In counties such as Victoria and Westmorland a marked increase in the numbers of immigrants from “Other British Possessions” is apparent.

Figure 1.4

1861 Immigrant Population by County

These statistics were taken from New Brunswick’s 1861 census, showing the makeup of New Brunswick’s immigrant population by county. They reveal that 58% of New Brunswick’s immigrant population was from Ireland.

Figure 1.5

1871 Percentage of Population of Irish Origin by County

Statistics were taken from Canada’s 1871 census showing by county the percentage of the New Brunswick population which was of Irish origin. The Federal census was the first to record both birth and origin. Previous New Brunswick censuses recorded only country of birth. They did not record the ethnicity of those who were born in New Brunswick but whose parents were immigrants. The 1871 census is important then, as it captures those who were born in New Brunswick but claim ethnic roots fromgenerations past. Among the interesting statistics revealed by the 1871 census is that 58% of Saint John County’s population was of Irish ethnicity.

Figure 1.6

1871 Percentage of Irish Born in Each County

The 1871 census recorded the numbers of immigrants in its “Birth Places of the People” table. Statistics taken from this table show, by county, the percentage of New Brunswick’s population born in Ireland. In the 1871 census the numbers of people claiming to be born in Ireland had greatly decreased when compared to the 1851 Irish immigrant numbers.

Figure 1.7

Comparison of County Population by Year

This chart reveals the constant growth occurring throughout the province during the eighteen hundreds. In particular substantial growth is evident in counties with prominent ports, such as Saint John County, which experienced a significant increase in population over the course of these years. Note that in a few instances counties dropped in population or grew very little.  In most cases this is due to the sub-dividing of counties such as Carleton, Gloucester, Westmorland, and York.  Madawaska is not included in these figures because it was just divided from Victoria in 1873.

England

Scotland

Ireland

Other British Possessions

Other Countries

Native Born

Total Population

Other Birth Places, Including New Brunswick