The subject of research is the development of internal relationships in families of the provincial townspeople in second half 19th - beginning 20th. In this period in families of the townspeople took place the evolutionary processes under influence of urbanization and development of capitalism. During the period after emancipation the family organization of the population had changed. The small family gradually became more and more widespread among the townspeople. The sizes of families were reduced, their internal structure gradually became simpler. The social and geographical distinctions decreased. The decomposition of the patriarchal way of life was very important. At the same time some traditions was saved, but also constantly was supported in a course of brisk migration from village in city and close connections of the greater part of the urban population with village.