Gibbons in 1881 census only

[scriv2]

I have been looking without success for any Gibbons people in the 1881 census. They should be in the St Nicholas area of Newcastle, specifically in the area of The Close.

The main family is  James Gibbons 1842, Mary Isabella 1849 with children Sarah Ann 1880, Mary Isabella 1878, James 1876 and Eliza 1872.

Thomas Gibbons or Harrison born 1866 and John Gibbons/Harrison born 1870 might also be with them.

I have tried every permutation possible, but to no avail. Does anyone know of any issues with the 1881 census in the Newcastle area?

[jacques]

not much luck

1881 @ Hett Village  Durham
John  Graham  Head  48 platelayer                    B Ferry  Durham
Mary                Wife   52                                     B Elland  Northumberland
Jane Elliott      Neice  36 general servant           B     "           "
THOMAS HARRISON Visitor 15  Colliery Lab        B pontyland  "
Emily Elliot                  "       2                             b Newcastle  "

You may have already dismissed this.

I take it John and Thomas were sons prior to her marriage to James Gibbons ??

[scriv2]

Thanks Jacques.. I will have a look at that one again, but I'm sure 'our' Thomas Harrison was not born in Ponteland and  think there is a Thomas born Ponteland who I have traced through later censuses. I will have a look again though in case I have missed anything.

Yes, both Thomas and John were born before her marriage, but Tom took the Gibbons name afterwards. Not quite sure when exactly. John was born John Gibbons Harrison in Gateshead in 1870.

The fact that there are no Gibbons to be found in 1881 makes me think they are grossly mistranscribed, or that census records are missing - but then again they could be with the extended family as more children are born. The earlier ancestors  came from Northumberland/Durham.

Two of us have been working on it for a very long time. It's a puzzle certainly. Thanks very much for having a look.

[TracyW]

Can you give us any details of any birth places and occupations?
Thanks

[scriv2]

Yes, all born Newcastle upon Tyne, other than John Gibbons Harrison who was born in Gateshead.

James Alexander Gibbons was a labourer in 1891 in a woodyard, Mary Isabella was a dressmaker then had many children, then a grocer's assistant and shopkeeper.

Tom Harrison/Gibbons was a plate cutter, tile cutter and then tile manufacturer in later censuses.

All this plus family info indicates the family never went far from Newcastle.

Thanks for your interest, but I don't want you to waste too much of your time. I have spent hours and hours on this 

[jacques]

On there  GenesReunited there is a Mary Harrison b 1849 Newcastle entered by a "Patricia Ann"

Any connection to you ?

do you have the birth cert for Sarah Ann b 1880, address may give a clue to whereabouts in 1881

Pam

[scriv2]

No connection I know of, jacques, but will have a look.

Yes, I think that might be the best thing to do re the birth certificate of Sarah Ann. She was christened at St Nicholas in March 1880.

Mary had two babies born and died in Sep Q 1882 - christened St Nicholas, so that does put her in the area still, even though I realise the area was far reaching.

[c-side]

I have the 1881 census on disc - produced by LDS from the days before they put it online.

It searches slightly differently and sometimes I can find names on these which don't show up in the online version.  It also comes with a set of name indexes.

Nonetheless I have searched everywhichway and with each individual name you have given and nothing is showing up.  There are hundreds of Gibbons/Gibbon/Gibbin etc in the area (mostly in Durham) but none of yours seem to be there.

If they were still here, which seems likely, there must be some weird transcription error going on!

Christine

[scriv2]

Thanks so much for that, Christine. Are you burning the midnight oil as well??!!

Maybe they simply missed the census.... or the paperwork got lost in that area. The Close was probably a bit of a maze in those days and maybe the enumerator chickened out...or maybe the pages got spoilt.

Anyway, thanks very much for looking. I think I will give up for a bit on that one as I have also searched so many ways. I have tried all kinds of permutations and I am quite a skilled searcher.

Enough's enough I'm afraid.

Barbara