henkikirjojen

Henkikirjat, often translated as "Poll Tax Registers" or "Head Tax Books," were official census-like records maintained in Finland and other parts of the Swedish Empire, including its Finnish territories, from the 17th century until the early 20th century. These registers were primarily administrative tools used for taxation purposes, specifically for levying the poll tax (henkivero).

The henkikirjat documented the inhabitants of a specific geographical area, typically a parish or municipality. Information recorded usually included the name of the head of household, the number of people in the household, their social status, and sometimes their occupation. While the primary goal was tax collection, the registers also provided valuable demographic data. They recorded who was liable for the tax, which often meant adult males, but their contents could vary over time and by region.

The compilation of henkikirjat involved local officials, such as church wardens and tax collectors, who were responsible for surveying households and reporting the information. These records are considered an important historical source for genealogical research, allowing individuals to trace their ancestors and understand the social and economic conditions of past centuries. The nature of the information collected evolved, with later registers sometimes including more detailed personal information. The practice was eventually superseded by more modern census methods.