John Thomson, bookbinder/ Janet Napier

[jimmain]

John Thomson, born 1818, Glasgow, married Janet Napier 1844, Edinburgh. He was a bookbinder and I was able to find this family in the 1871 and 1881 census. It appears that they had a large family but the census records are confusing in that the birthdates for several of the children are way off. The children were born in Glasgow (Isabella, Allan), Edinburgh (Sarah, Henry, Mary), England (John 1855)  and Galashiels (Alexander). I have Alexander’s birth record which confirms that he was a bookbinder, born in Galashiels to John Thomson, bookbinder/ Janet Napier.
 In the 1871 census: John Thomson 53, bookbinder, Edinburgh; Janet 48: Sarah 23; Mary 21; Alex Thomson 78 (?18); John 15; Isabella 5; Allan Thomson 71 (?11); Andrew Thomson 70 (?10).  ). The census record states that Alex, Allan & Andrew are sons, so it appears that the ages are incorrect.
In the 1881 census: Janet Thomson 58, Midlothian; Henry 31 (copper smith); John 26 (printer); Isabella 22  (milliner); Andrew 19 (clockmaker). The record states that John was born in England; Isabella in Glasgow & Andrew in Edinburgh. Henry who was not in the 1871 census was born in Edinburgh.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might be able to shed some light on this family.

[MonicaL]

Jim, possible for 1851 from what you mentioned:

John Thompson 34 bookbinder b. Glasgow
Jessie Thompson 27 b. Glasgow
Wilhiluna Thompson 5 b. Edinburgh
Sarah Thompson 3 b. Edinburgh
Henry D Thompson 1 b. Edinburgh

Address: Bridge Street, Galashiels, Rox.

With an 1855 birth cert you should hopefully be able to confirm children's details further for John and Janet.

Monica 

[MonicaL]

Just filling in some census blanks here, Jim. Possible for 1861 with John and daughter:
    
Henny Dickson 44 Copper Smith b. Dundee
Isabella Dickson 43 b. Glasgow
John Thoreson (?thomson) 43, brother in law, bookbinder b. Glasgow
Whillemnia Thoreson 15 b. Edinburgh

Address: 12 Queen's Pl, Edinburgh

Monica

[jimmain]

Thanks very much for this. I spent a lot of time looking at the 1841, 51 & 61 census; this looks like the family. There must be an interesting  story associated with this family; they moved around a lot.  I also found Isabella Thomson married to Henry Dickson, 1863 Edinburgh.
Much appreciated. Jim Main