I am looking for my ancestor John Shaw. He was born in Devonshire c.1824-1831. I have him in Muskoka Parry Sound in 1872 married with family.

I think I found him in 1871 Census under 'heads and strays'. Can anyone tell me what that category means?Hopefully, he is unmarried and recently arrived in Canada?

Any tips on how I could try to look for him further back?

I have tried the Devonshire route but there are just too many parameters. I need to find him immigrating.

hope someone can send me some feed....