Census lists (Henkikirjat) were population records used in Finland, originally created for the purpose of collecting poll tax.[1] They offer valuable information about the Finnish population and its changes over several centuries, especially from the 1600s and 1700s when there might be gaps in church records. Census lists were maintained until 1993 when the population information system was introduced.
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History of census records in Finland
The roots of census lists extend back to the bailiff accounts during the Swedish rule. The state needed additional income to finance the ongoing Thirty Years' War. Thus, in 1634, a new tax was introduced in the Swedish realm, the poll tax, which was levied on individuals consuming grain. To collect this tax, so-called mill toll mantal lists began to be compiled, later referred to by the shorter term mantal list. These lists are better known today as census lists.
The legislation concerning the collection of poll tax originated in 1635 when county governors were given instructions on collecting the cattle tax and poll tax. During the following two decades, several important changes were made to the collection of poll tax, particularly in 1652 and 1655. In 1673, the conductors of the parish registration, the mantal commissioners, were given a rather general set of instructions, which was replaced by a new and detailed set of instructions twenty years later. This set of instructions, issued in 1693, remained in force for over a century and a half, until the 1860s.
Initially, the priest was responsible for compiling the census lists, but later the task was transferred to mantal commissioners and finally to special parish registrars. Census lists were compiled annually based on the parish registration and included all taxable individuals. Poll tax was originally levied on everyone over the age of 12, but later the age limits were established between 15 and 63. In 1865, the upper age limit was removed for landlords, and the lower age limit was raised to 16. All residents, regardless of their tax liability, began to be recorded in census lists only in the 18th century. It's important to note that before the 18th century, not all individuals can be found in census lists. It's helpful to compare the parish register with a possibly available communion register from the same period.
For example, initially all estates, including the highest estate or nobility, were obligated to pay poll tax. However, the nobility was exempted from this obligation as early as 1641. This exemption applied not only to nobles and their families but also to their servants, especially those working on their estates. In 1652, the exemption was extended to include also tenant farmers on the estates, but this benefit was removed in 1693. After that, only the nobleman's personal servants and his family were exempt from poll tax. The nobility finally lost this tax exemption in 1865.
The collection of poll tax was abolished in 1924, but the maintenance of census lists continued as population and property registers. In 1939, a law on census lists was enacted, which was replaced in 1971 by the Population Register Act. The annual obligation for parish registration was removed in 1990, and census lists were completely discontinued in 1993 with the introduction of the population information system.
Structure and content of census records in Finland
In census lists, the population was grouped by village in rural areas and by district and block in cities. The names of villages and houses began to appear in census lists from the 17th century onwards.
The recording of properties in census lists was closely related to land ownership and taxation. At times, properties were grouped in census lists according to land type, as in land registers. From 1693 onwards, properties had to be recorded in census lists in the order specified in the land register, but in the 18th century, the practice of arranging villages alphabetically became common.
With the 1944 decree, all businesses, associations, and foundations operating within a property also had to be recorded in census lists. According to the 1950 parish registration decree, the parish register included properties by village and district, the property owner and their domicile, and all individuals residing within the property.[2]
According to the 1894 parish registration decree, the following information about an individual had to be recorded in the parish register: first name, last name, occupation, year of birth, date of birth, previous parish registration location, affiliation with a non-Lutheran religious community, and desire to be exempt from paying poll tax. In rural areas, the parish register was compiled by county, and each parish or part of a parish belonging to the county was recorded separately. In cities, the population was recorded in the parish register without distinction to parishes, even if there were several within the city.
Research significance of census records in Finland
Census lists are a significant source for social and demographic historical research. They provide information about the population size, structure, occupations, migration patterns, and social relationships. Census lists can be used, for example, to investigate the lives of individuals and families, study population growth and regional differences, and analyze societal changes.
However, when using census lists, it's important to consider that they are not always entirely comprehensive or reliable. For instance, fluctuations in population numbers may not always reflect actual changes but could be due to regulations or administrative practices related to poll tax. Census lists also reveal numerous interesting details, such as the use of luxury goods.
Census lists in the National Archives of Finland
In Finland, census lists are preserved in the National Archives. Census lists from the Swedish era can be found in the bailiff account archives (from 1634) and the county account archives (from 1635 to 1808). Until the mid-18th century, census lists were bound together with other financial records, but after that, they were organized into separate volumes by county.
The National Archives has the following parish register collections in storage and partly digitized:
- Häme County census lists (1832–1975)
- Central Finland County census lists (1960–1975)
- Kuopio County census lists (1809–1975)
- Kymi County census lists (1945–1975)
- Lapland County census lists (1938–1975)
- Mikkeli County census lists (1809–1975)
- Oulu County census lists (1809–1975)
- North Karelia County census lists (1960–1975)
- Turku and Pori County census lists (1809–1975)
- Uusimaa County census lists (1809–1975)
- Vaasa County census lists (1809–1975)
- Viipuri County census lists (1818–1945)
Use of census lists in genealogy
Census lists are also an important source for genealogy, especially when there are gaps in church records. With the help of census lists, it's possible to determine the places of residence, occupations, and family relationships of ancestors. They can also be used to locate specific individuals or families in a particular area at a specific time.
However, when using census lists for genealogy, it's important to note that they do not contain direct information about births, deaths, marriages, or migration. Minors may not appear in census lists at all. Therefore, it's crucial to follow census lists annually and carefully record any changes.
Digitised census lists
The oldest census lists can be found in the so-called voucher books of county accounts. Only from the mid-18th century onwards were they directly titled as census lists. Census lists from the autonomy period can be found in the Digital Archive under the section Census lists (Henkikirjat). The National Archives is re-digitizing these documents from the original paper documents to improve readability.
Parish register search
The Genealogical Society of Finland offers a digital tool, the Parish Register Search, which allows you to search for information in old census lists. You can use, for example, names of individuals or places in your search. The service is still in its early stages, but over the years, it can grow into a significant aid for researching census lists.
See also
Explore more about census records in Finland
- Finland - Census & Voter Lists record collection at MyHeritage, with 40,319,352 records contained in Finland Church Census and Pre-Confirmation Books, 1657-1915 and Finland, Karelia Communion Books
- Kansallisarkisto - Arkistojen Portti (National Archives of Finland, in Finnish and Swedish)
- The Genealogical Society of Finland