Richard Moore - Portland quarry man missing after 1861

[alan o]

I am researching Richard Moore a Portland quarry man from a long Portland hertiage.

Born 1812 and marries Ann Stone in Oct 1831.  He is on the next 3 censuses but then disappears after 1861.  He has 16 children!

I can not find a death record at all. His wife becomes shop keeper but does not list herself as widow untill 1881.

Could be have abandoned her and moved off Portland?  I am completely stuck.

[chempat]

Is Ann recorded as Head or Wife in 1871?

[maddys52]

There is a Richard MOORE sentenced to 7 days imprisonment for drunkeness at Portland in June 1868, not sure if it's your man?
Western Gazette, Friday,  June 5, 1868

[alan o]

She is recorded as wife in 1871 but no sign of the husband.

[rosie99]

She is recorded as wife in 1871 but no sign of the husband.

If she is the Ann Moore who is in Portland in 1871 - occ Small Shop, she is listed as 'Head' and Mar(ried)

[alan o]

I have magnified the census and I would agree - if she is shown as married then he must be alive but living somewhere else.  As her occupation is small shopkeeper then it does suggest that she is the main breadwinner.  I wonder if he has left her or perhaps is in prison as suggested?

[maddys52]

  I wonder if he has left her or perhaps is in prison as suggested?

He was only in prison for 7 days in this case, if it is the right man. It could also refer to the son.

Looking at the censuses it would appear Ann is still listed as married in 1881 but not in 1891, so I guess looking for a death between then would be a start. Quite a few possibilities though ... 

[tazzie]

Another newspaper report for 1865 has a Richard Moore charged with assault on two women named Smith and Stone. Fine of 20s each woman.

Tazzie

[alan o]

So it appears tat while he is absent in 1871 and 1881, his wife lists him as alive but absent.  Still can't find him on either census or a death record in dorset that matches.