COATES, Bermondsey area - 1861 and 1871 census

[dillybert]

I just wanted to update this thread as I finally found something today that was relevant, so just wanted to add another little snippet to anyone following this line.

Today I found out more about the death of son Benjamin Deveason Coates aged 22 in 1859 through an inquest report in the newspaper in Jan 1859. Basically, he was found drowned in the Thames, presumed suicide, though official verdict was "Found Drowned".

"on Tuesday afternoon the deceased was slightly intoxicated, and remarked to a friend that he should have a watery grave soon...the only cause that could be argued was that his father had gone away and left six children, the mother being dead, which seemed to prey upon his mind..."

So very shocking and sad - the poor family. 
But it does start to explain why Benjamin is so difficult to find in 1861.