Infidel?

[Josephine]

I was looking at the 1861 census of Canada (specifically North Dumfries, Waterloo, Canada West) in search of distant relatives when I came across the word "Infidel" in the Religion column. It's there for the families of James Brown and Thomas Cleghorn.

Has anyone else ever come across this designation?

I'm certain it says Infidel. I've included the location column to the right so you can see the backwards f in N. Dumfries for comparison. It's listed again in the tally at the bottom of the column.

 

Josephine

[Josephine]

Did I mess up the attachment?

[Ruskie]

No. It looks perfect Josephine. 

There are appropriate dictionary meanings for the word "infidel" which presumably you have already googled?

[Josephine]

Thanks, Ruskie.

Yes, I know what infidel means. It's just the first time I've ever seen it used in a census.

Best regards,
Josephine

[majm]

The New South Wales, Australia census of 1828 had a question about religion.   The responses at that time included "Pagan".  In one of the very recent Australian Census, there were many who chose to respond (it is optional question) with "Jedi" 

Cheers,  JM. 

[Josephine]

Hi, JM:

I think some Canadians have used "Jedi" in the census, too.

Best regards,
Josephine