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.