A way to find out when he came to Canada?

Question

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if there are any ways to track USA-Canada border crossings in the 1860s? I know Collins came to Canada sometime in the 1860s. His wife was listed as "widowed" in 1863 so I estimate he came in the early 1860s. Furthermore, is it possible that there might be an obituary/article for him? His wife is listed as widowed in every record after and a write-up about his son also claims that Collins died in the 1860s/1870s, however I know this to be false.

Any sort of help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi Daniel, The 1901 Census gives his immigration year as 1861. Unfortunately, no official records were kept of border crossings at this time.

Answer 2

Prior to 1895, border crossings between the USA and Canada weren't tracked. This has given me lots of problems. Anyway, there are sometimes sources. I've found information about this in Québec Catholic church records. Don't know if similar information would be available for your Ontario families.