Census Conundrums! Family History Census Research.

Missing off the Census?

If you have started some family history research and are merrily researching, what happens when suddenly someone is not where you expect them to be? Family History Census Research tricks can help!

Take my ancestor William, there he is on the 1871 census living with his wife and family in Bowling, Bradford. He’s a Stonemason, a good job, so all should be well. Then in 1881, he’s not there – where has he gone?

My first thought is that he’s died – but then why is his wife still referred to as a ‘Mason’s Wife’ and she is still stated as married not widowed. Also a quick search for a death comes up blank.

So here's the hint - don't give up! A lot more searching and discounting lots of other William Greenwoods (quite a common name as I discovered!), and I eventually found a William Greenwood of the right age in Southport. But surely that can’t be him?

This William is a Mason, so the right occupation and age and was born in Halifax so that’s right too. However how could he possibly be in Southport, which is over 70 miles from Rawdon in West Yorkshire, and not with his wife and family?

A close look at the census shows that he was a patient in the St. Meol’s Convalescent Hospital.

Some further research uncovered more details, this was known as a ‘Stranger’s Hospital’ run by the 'Southport Stranger’s Society' to provide care for people not resident in Southport. There were Philanthropists of the time who gave monetary donations to support the people of Halifax and West Yorkshire which resulted in the establishment of this hospital and provided ongoing funds for their care. I can assume it was situated in Southport sue to the bracing sea air! This link is enough to reassure that the William on the census is very possibly ‘my’ William. By 1880 there was a railway between West Yorkshire and Southport, so the journey would have been possible. To absolutely confirm this I would have to try and view the actual records for the hospital, as full home address may be given - something I've yet to do when I have a minute!

In 1891 William is back at home with his family, still listed as a Stonemason, but there was a cross in the column ‘Neither Employer nor Employed’, possibly meaning that he was not actually working. It’s likely he was unwell as the following year he died of Phthisis or Tuberculosis.

The message is, don’t give up, a bit more research may unearth more of your family story!

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