Hello, I have a John Mantel/l (or Mantle) born 1816 Bedford & moved to Newport Pagnell with family before 1871. On 1881 census he is in Newport Pagnell, 'Artist in Hair', widower, age 66; wife Sarah had died December qtr 1880 age 63. Last sighting is him listed on the 1885 Electoral Roll at North Square, Shrubbery Cottage, Newport Pagnell. I've not found a death index for him or a sighting on the 1891 census. There is a marriage index in Sept 1885 in Newport Pagnell RD of John Mantell to Elizabeth Froggatt, as I've discounted the other 2 names.
Today I found this snippet from local newspaper archive; from Beds Times 20th September 1946;
From Bedfordian's Diary – More memories of John Mantel. This tale was told. “After his wife, a gentle, lady-like person, died (in 1880), things did not go well for him. He married again (1885), and eventually emigrated at an advanced age to Australia, where he died".
So I'm now looking for passenger lists, emigration & immigration records to find out where they went. I've so far found a Mr & Mrs Mantell on the ship Himalaya that left London 8 Nov 1894 & arrived Sydney 4 Dec 1894, but there are no ages, initials/first names, UK address ... so not sure it's them.
Any help from Australian records would be welcome.
Thanks John