The mother of all brick walls!

[Timbottawa]

Thanks Diana ... I had noted that death record, but haven't checked it yet.  Obviously it's worrying for my theory, as the decedent is exactly the right age, although the location, while near London, is not particularly close to his 1871 location (of course, under my theory he had moved to Southport, where his 2nd son was busy being born at this time!).

That's why I thought I would first lay out my theory to see whether anyone completely destroys it.  If not, then yes, I'll have to check out that death record.

[DianaCanada]

Thanks Diana ... I had noted that death record, but haven't checked it yet.  Obviously it's worrying for my theory, as the decedent is exactly the right age, although the location, while near London, is not particularly close to his 1871 location (of course, under my theory he had moved to Southport, where his 2nd son was busy being born at this time!).

That's why I thought I would first lay out my theory to see whether anyone completely destroys it.  If not, then yes, I'll have to check out that death record.

Hope you do knock down your brick wall; they can be so frustrating. At least this young man’s death certificate might help.

[Timbottawa]

Hmm ... I don't think I'm any further forward!

The 4Q 1874 death certificate shows:

Thomas Henry Butler, 23 years, Barman, Abcess in kidney 4 weeks ... and the informant is E.M. Butler of Cheshunt, present at death

This compares with the Thomas Henry Butler in the 1871 census:

Thomas H Butler, age 20, Shipping Clerk, in Pancras Parish/District

The mother in 1871 is Elizabeth A.  Could be mis-recorded as "E.M" on the death certificate - but then "E.M." could be father, brother, wife, anything, so that's a real stretch.

On the other hand, I cannot find any Thomas H. Butler (born 1851) or E.M. Butler (sex and birthdate unknown) in Cheshunt or vicinity in the 1871 census.

Any suggestions?