Brick wall - help!

[KateB_2007]

Hello,

I've hit a real brick wall here.  I can't find James Johnston born C1814 in Arrowthwaite, Whitehaven on any census.  Am I being really dim?!  His parents were William (born C1784 in Carlisle) and Ann ? (born C1788 in Hensingham). I have found them on the 1851 census living in Arrowthwaite, but not on the 1861 (if they were still alive).

I suppose my question is can anyone else spy James on any census, or his parents?

Thank you

Kate   

[GeoffE]

Hi Kate

1851 census suggests that Ann was born in Harrington.  They were living just a couple of doors away from my ancestor Esther STRAN(N)EY.

I would have thought the 1808 marriage at St Bees Wm JOHNSON to Ann Graham may be relevant.

How do you know where and when James was born if you can't find him on a census?  Was he the one baptised 26 July 1815?

[KateB_2007]

Hi Kate

1851 census suggests that Ann was born in Harrington.  They were living just a couple of doors away from my ancestor Esther STRAN(N)EY.

I would have thought the 1808 marriage at St Bees Wm JOHNSON to Ann Graham may be relevant.

How do you know where and when James was born if you can't find him on a census?  Was he the one baptised 26 July 1815?

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for that.  I don't know for certain James was born then to be honest.  Was going by the same year of birth as his wife 1814, plus I saw a possible birth for him - 26 JUL 1815   Holy Trinity, Whitehaven, parents William and Ann.

I have James and Ann's marriage cert. and their ages are given as 'of full age'  Not a very helpful certificate!

Kate

[GeoffE]

Are you saying you can find his wife but not James on the censuses?  Where was she born ... any children's names? etc etc

[Jo3]

Hi

There was a William Johnston, aged 74 yrs. Harrowthwaite(sic), buried 4th January 1857 and Ann Johnston, 71 yrs. Harrowthwaite(sic), buried 11th February 1858 in Whitehaven Cemetery.  Both were in common graves and both Church of England.

The ages appear about right and explains why they couldn't be found in 1861.

There is also a James Johnston, 58 yrs. 18 Howgill St., buried 16th April 1874 but he isn't at that address in 1871 though there is a family called Johnston ie. Thomas, 26 yrs and Annie, 28 yrs and Eliza, 1 yr. 

There are some people who appear to be missing if they were in hospital (In 1861 all the patients in Whitehaven Infirmary were only recorded by their initials so don't show up by looking for a name).

I don't know how often this happened - obviously confidentiallity taken seriously even then!  I have seen it with boarders as well.

Jo 3

[KateB_2007]

Hi both,

Thanks for your messages.

Yes I have his wife Ann Johnston born 1814 in Ravenglass on most censuses.  1851 Census - She's visiting a couple called Kitchin in Hensingham, in 1861 she's living in Arrowthwaite, not found her in 1871, and in 1881 and 1891 she's living with her son Thomas and his family at 18 Howgill Street, Whitehaven.  So this fits in with what Jo3 has posted.

Just always puzzled me why James isn't on a census with his wife.  Perhaps he was in hospital, maybe its as simple as that!

Kate