Where Next - Ann Elizabeth Ayres/Major, Helmdon

[KatPez]

I may have mentioned this one before but I'm completely stuck now. 

I'm looking for Ann Elizabeth Ayres.  She was born in Helmdon in 1857 to John Ayres and Esther Cadd (although some records say Elizabeth). 

She married Timothy Humphrey Major in 1975. 

They had 7 Children

Charlotte Elizabeth
Susannah Mary
Lettie Sophia Harriett
Edith Lucretia
William John
Florence May
Walter Edward AKA Edward John

On census returns there are also others (who I have established are actually grandchildren). 

These are
Lilian Florence
Herbert John AKA Jack
Edith Evelyn
MAbel Annie
Constance Elizabeth.

Ann disappears after the 1891 census.  She registers the birth of Walter Edward in 1892 but after this there is no trace. 

In 1900 there is a newspaper report for William John who is charged for theft of 11 1/2 d which makes reference to the following

"From the evidence given by the father, a shocking state of affairs was revealed as to the way in which his family lived."

I have looked in the Brackley Petty Sessions, Summary jurisdiction and court minute book and they only list the case and no evidence so I am still no nearer as to what has happened to Ann.

I'm not sure where to look next.  I've never found a death for her.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

[Mabel Bagshawe]

you may also want to look at the Northampton Mercury of Friday 17 June 1892  - i have no sub to the british newspapers archive but can see a story involving Susannah Mary.

[KGarrad]

Timothy is still married on the 1901 census - but a widower on the later census.

[KatPez]

The story about Susannah is that she was indecently assaulted but there's no mention of her mother or anything about the family in that one.

Also Walter Edward was born in the August so Ann was obviously still around when this incident happened.

[KatPez]

My search continues.  If I ever find this woman I'm going to write a book on her.

I have spoken with the police archivist about another incident involving Ann & Timothy's son.  Again no mention of the mother in the newspaper article however it did mention "a shocking state of affairs" in which the family lived.  The police archives didn't reveal anything although the archivist suggested contacting the court to see if there is anything in their archives as there must have been a record somewhere.

If anyone has any other suggestions I'll be eternally grateful

[Darnity]

Have you thought about looking to see if she is in the County Asylum? Some records for places like that only show inmates as initials on Censuses, not their full name.

If she had mental health issues that might have explained the apalling conditions the family lived in, or if she's been sent away from home the family may be trying to cope without a mother to look after them.

I found someone I'd been looking for a death for for years when her husband was mentioned in a newspaper for not making his contribution towards his wife being in the County Asylum - he was shown as a widower on the census before her death and probably felt that she had effectively died when she went off to the Asylum which was much too far away from his home for him to ever have visited her again. She was buried where she died, not in the village where her family had their home.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

[KatPez]

I have thought about an asylum. I will have to find out where the records are. Assuming they have admission information.

Not sure if she'd be in st Crispins or St. Andrews but will have a look

Thanks for your help

[Darnity]

I have thought about an asylum. I will have to find out where the records are. Assuming they have admission information.

Not sure if she'd be in st Crispins or St. Andrews but will have a look

Thanks for your help

Contact Northants Records Office for location of any records.

BTW St Crispin's went up in flames earlier this week:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/extensive-structural-damage-caused-during-huge-blaze-at-former-st-crispin-s-hospital-in-northampton-1-6224547

[KatPez]

Contact Northants Records Office for location of any records.

BTW St Crispin's went up in flames earlier this week:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/extensive-structural-damage-caused-during-huge-blaze-at-former-st-crispin-s-hospital-in-northampton-1-6224547

I know. I live up the road. 

It must be st Crispins if any as St. Andrews stopped taking pauper patients in 1876.  I'm hoping to pop up the records office next week to have a look.